A simple balloon-sizing method in Inoue-balloon percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy

This study was carried out to examine whether the previously determined balloon sizing method based on patient height was valid for percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy using the current second-generation Inoue balloon catheter. The study consisted of 70 patients with pliable noncalcified mitral valves (group 1) and 85 patients with calcified mitral valves and/or severe subvalvular lesions (group 2). The mitral valve area was increased more in group 1 than in group 2 (1.0 +/- 0.3 to 1.9 +/- 0.5 cm2 versus 1.0 +/- 0.3 to 1.6 +/- 0.5 cm2, P = 0.002). Using the stepwise dilatation technique, none of the group 1 patients developed severe mitral regurgitation. Severe mitral regurgitation occurred in 4 patients (4.7%) in group 2. In conclusion, a simple balloon sizing method based on body height for selection of an appropriate-sized balloon catheter, as well as an initial inflated balloon diameter for the stepwise dilatation technique is useful for optimal acute outcomes in mitral commissurotomy.