[Percutaneous valvuloplasty of the aortic valve in adults]

In a 23-year-old patient with congenital stenosis of the aortic valve the pressure gradient could be reduced from 80 to 35 mm Hg using percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty. The systolic pressure in the left ventricle fell from 200 to 165 mm Hg. A pre-existing mild aortic insufficiency did not worsen. In a 44-year-old female patient retrograde passage of a balloon catheter across the aortic valve failed due to technical reasons. At the present time percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty in adults is more difficult than pulmonary valvuloplasty. It can, however, be considered, prior to surgery, in suitable patients with noncalcified valves.