Short- and midterm results of balloon valvuloplasty for valvular aortic stenosis in children

Usefulness of Doppler echocardiography guidance during balloon aortic valvuloplasty for the treatment of congenital aortic stenosis

INTRODUCTION

Few data exist regarding the potential benefits of continuous echocardiographic guidance during balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) for the treatment of congenital aortic stenosis (AS). The objectives of this study were 1) to prospectively evaluate, in a series of consecutive patients with severe AS, the efficacy of BAV guided by Doppler echocardiography (DE) in relieving AS while preventing the appearance of significant aortic regurgitation (AR), and 2) to compare the results obtained by BAV-DE with those obtained in a historical series of patients who underwent BAV without echocardiographic guidance (BAV guided by angiography, BAV-A).

METHODS

From 1995 to 2006 a total of 36 consecutive patients with AS (median age 6 years, range, 1 day to 26 years) underwent BAV in our center, with systematic application of continuous DE guidance since 2003. BAV-DE consisted of measuring the aortic annulus, choosing balloon diameters and evaluating the results of each balloon dilation on the basis of DE.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients underwent BAV-DE (transthoracic and transesophageal DE in 3 and 14 patients, respectively) with successful transaortic gradient relief in 88% of them. None of the patients complicated with moderate or severe AR. At 17+/-13 months follow-up there had been 3 cardiac events (18%), all of them related to aortic restenosis. BAV-A was associated with longer fluoroscopic times (35 min vs 16 min, p=0.005 after adjusting for age and weight differences between groups) and a higher degree of AR following BAV (>or=2 degrees increase in AR, 32% vs 0%, p=0.045 after adjusting for age and weight). Angiographic measurements of the aortic annulus were higher than those obtained by DE (mean overestimation+2.5+/-1.8 mm, range 0 to +6 mm, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

BAV-DE provides successful gradient relief of severe AS with lower fluoroscopy time and a lower degree of AR compared to BAV-A. Overestimation of aortic annulus diameters by angiographic measurements might partially explain the high rate of significant AR associated with BAV in the absence of echocardiographic guidance.

Aortic Valvuloplasty in Pediatric Patients Substantially Postpones the Need for Aortic Valve Surgery

Background— Aortic valvuloplasty (AoVP) is an established procedure regarded as a valid alternative for surgical management of congenital aortic valve stenosis. However, its long-term efficacy in preventing or postponing aortic valve surgery remains uncertain for the individual patient. Therefore, the aim of this study was to study the long-term results of AoVP in pediatric patients and its efficacy in preventing or postponing aortic valve surgery.

Methods and Results— We reviewed up to 17.5 years of follow-up data of all 188 patients who received AoVP at the Deutsches Herzzentrum München. The patients were divided into those <1 month of age (group <1 month; n=68) and those ≥1 month of age (group ≥1 month; n=120) at the time of AoVP. After the first and second AoVP, moderate and severe aortic regurgitation developed in 29% and 14%, respectively, of the patients in group <1 month and in 19% and 29%, respectively, of the patients in group ≥1 month. Survival after 10 years free from aortic valve surgery was 59% (95% confidence interval, 45 to 73) in group <1 month and 70% (95% confidence interval, 59 to 81) in group ≥1 month.

Conclusions— This study shows that the long-term results of AoVP of congenital aortic valve stenosis in pediatric patients and its efficacy in preventing or postponing aortic valve surgery are very good. About two thirds of the patients are free from aortic valve surgery 10 years after AoVP.

Balloon aortic valvoplasty in paediatric patients: progressive aortic regurgitation is common

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate immediate and midterm results after balloon valvoplasty in a paediatric population with congenital aortic stenosis, giving special consideration to aortic regurgitation.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Two tertiary referral centres for paediatric cardiology.

PATIENTS

70 consecutive patients, with an age range of 0-16.4 years. Group A infants < 3 months old (n = 21). Group B children > 3 months old (n = 49). Median follow up time was 19.8 months, range 0-158 months.

INTERVENTION

All patients underwent balloon aortic valvoplasty. The balloon to annulus ratio was selected at a mean of 0.90 (range 0.67-1.0).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Doppler gradients and degree of aortic regurgitation.

RESULTS

The pressure gradient dropped significantly with the intervention and increased mildly at follow up. Freedom from relevant aortic regurgitation (that is, moderate and severe) was initially lower in group A (75% v 90% after one month) but after two years the difference between the two groups was not significant (50% v 61%). Freedom from reintervention was significantly lower in group A (with 35% v 80%) after three years.

CONCLUSION

Aortic balloon valvoplasty is safe and effective but has a high rate of early reintervention in infants with critical aortic stenosis. The major long term problem is progressive aortic regurgitation, which does not seem to be prevented by the use of small balloons.

Balloon valvuloplasty for congenital heart disease: immediate and long-term results of multi-institutional study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Several studies have been reported in Japan. However, the reports consist of small series at individual institutions. We evaluated the immediate to long-term results of balloon valvuloplasty (BVP) of congenital pulmonary and aortic stenosis at multi-institutions in Japan.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Immediate and follow-up data were obtained from eight institutions in Japan. In our series of 172 cases of pulmonary valvuloplasty excluding critical pulmonary stenosis, the mean pressure gradient decreased immediately after BVP from 61+/-27 mmHg to 28+/-20 mmHg and the reduced gradient continued at follow-up in most cases. The BVP for critical pulmonary stenosis could be accomplished in 35 of 39 patients. The mean right ventricular systolic pressure decreased from 102+/-29 mmHg to 62+/-23 mmHg. One of them required the surgical operation for perforation of the right ventricular outflow tract. In BVP for congenital aortic valvular stenosis of 77 cases excluding critical aortic stenosis, the mean pressure gradient decreased immediately after BVP from 68+/-24 mmHg to 34+/-23 mmHg. Thirty-one cases (55%) were free from any interventions in long-term follow-up. The BVP for critical aortic stenosis was performed in 29 neonates. The overall mortality rate was 34% and 24% of the patients required repeat intervention. The remaining 42% was free from any interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Balloon valvuloplasty for congenital pulmonary valvular stenosis is a safe and effective procedure and the initial treatment of choice. In spite of an occasional major complication, BVP for critical pulmonary stenosis is effective in many infants. Balloon aortic valvuloplasty is palliative. However, this procedure has the efficacy in deferring the surgical intervention. Balloon valvuloplasty for neonatal critical aortic stenosis is a useful method to recover from serious conditions.

Recommendations of the British Paediatric Cardiac Association for therapeutic cardiac catheterisation in congenital cardiac disease

The aims of these recommendations are to improve the outcome for patients after, and to provide acceptable standards of practice of therapeutic cardiac catheterisation performed to treat congenital cardiac disease. The scope of the recommendations includes all interventional procedures, recognising that for some congenital malformations, surgical treatment is equally as effective as, or occasionally preferable to, interventional treatment. The limitations of the recommendations are that, at present, no data are available which compare the results of interventional treatment with surgery, and certainly none which evaluate the numbers and types of procedures that need to be performed for the maintenance of skills. Thus, there is a recognised need to collect comprehensive data with which these recommendations could be reviewed in the future, and re-written as evidence-based guidelines. Such a review will have to take into account the methods of collection of data, their effectiveness, and the latest developments in technology. The present recommendations should, therefore, be considered as consensus statements, and as describing accepted practice, which could be used as a basis for ensuring and improving the quality of future care.

Aortic balloon dilatation for congenital aortic stenosis: report of 90 cases (1986-98)

OBJECTIVE

To review 12 years of experience of balloon aortic valvoplasty in childhood.

DESIGN

Early and mid-term clinical and instrumental evaluation of 104 consecutive balloon aortic valvoplasties performed from 1986 to 1998.

SETTING

A tertiary referral centre for congenital heart disease.

PATIENTS

90 patients with congenital aortic stenosis: 20 neonates (group 1), 16 infants (group 2), and 54 children (group 3).

INTERVENTIONS

Balloon aortic valvotomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Doppler and peak to peak aortic gradient before and after valvoplasty, degree of aortic regurgitation before and after valvoplasty, early and late mortality, need for repeat intervention or surgery.

RESULTS

Balloon aortic valvoplasty produced a gradient reduction of > 50% in 59 patients, 12 having a residual peak to peak gradient of > 50 mm Hg. Early mortality included three procedure related and six procedure unrelated deaths. There were no intraprocedural deaths. Grade III aortic regurgitation occurred in 20 patients. Five non-lethal complications occurred. At a mean follow up of 5.1 (group 1), 5.7 (group 2), and 7.6 years (group 3), survival was 75%, 88%, and 96%, respectively. Redilatation was performed in three patients in group 1, one in group 2, and 10 in group 3. Surgery was necessary for six in group 1, one in group 2, and eight in group 3. Freedom from events at last follow up was 50%, 75%, and 64%, respectively. There was a residual maximum Doppler gradient of < 30 mm Hg in 22 patients and > 60 mm Hg in 23; 50 patients have mild to moderate aortic regurgitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Balloon aortic valvoplasty is effective and repeatable and offers good palliation for congenital aortic stenosis in childhood.

Long-term follow-up results after balloon dilatation of pulmonic stenosis, aortic stenosis, and coarctation of the aorta: a review

Although immediate and intermediate-term results after balloon dilatation of congenital stenotic lesions of the heart in children are well studied, long-term results have not been documented. Therefore, we reviewed our experience along with the limited published data to address this issue. Late follow-up after balloon pulmonary and aortic valvuloplasty shows low-residual gradients, reintervention-free rates in the mid-80s for pulmonic and in the mid-50s for aortic stenosis, and an increase in degree and prevalence of similunar valve insufficiency. Balloon angioplasty of aortic coarctation results in low-residual gradients, residual hypertension in a minority of patients, low prevalence of aneurysms, and high rates of recurrence in the neonate and young infant. Overall, balloon dilatation is a useful technique in relieving congenital obstructive lesions of the heart in the pediatric patient, but continued study of (1) late pulmonary and aortic insufficiency after valvuloplasty, (2) recurrence and aneurysms after balloon angioplasty of coarctations and, (3) femoral artery compromise in lesions requiring transfemoral artery approach is warranted.

Clinical outcome and left ventricular function after pulmonary autograft implantation in children

BACKGROUND

Aortic root replacement with a pulmonary autograft is an alternative treatment for children with aortic valve or root disease, or both.

METHODS

Twenty-six patients (18 boys and 8 girls) with a mean age of 10.9 years (range, 0.3 to 16.9 years) underwent this procedures in a 7-year period. The mean follow-up period was 3.2 years (range, 0.2 to 7.5 years).

RESULTS

During follow-up 3 patients died and one autograft was replaced with a mechanical valve. The actuarial survival and actuarial event-free survival rates were 87% and 79%, respectively, at both 5 and 7 years. None of the surviving patients had complaints, and all have done well and are living normal lives. Electrocardiographic signs of myocardial ischemia and left ventricular hypertrophy were not present. Echocardiography showed autograft valve regurgitation to be absent or trivial (n = 17) or mild (n = 5). Stenosis was not present. Increasing autograft annulus diameters were noted during follow-up, but this was not related to the severity of autograft regurgitation. Left ventricular dimensions and function were within normal limits later than 1 year after the operation. Only 2 patients had a moderate pulmonary stenosis without right ventricular hypertrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical results, clinical outcome, valve function, and left ventricular function in our patients have been good. This procedure is recommended as a method of aortic valve replacement in children.

Follow-up results of balloon aortic valvuloplasty in children with special reference to causes of late aortic insufficiency

The purpose of this study was to report on 3- to 9-year follow-up data after balloon aortic valvuloplasty in children and to investigate causes of aortic insufficiency at late follow-up. Although the immediate and short-term results of balloon aortic valvuloplasty have been well documented, little information is available on long-term follow-up results. During a 7.3-year period ending December 1992, 26 young patients, aged 6 weeks to 20 years, underwent balloon aortic valvuloplasty with resultant reduction of peak-to-peak aortic valvar gradient from 71 +/- 20 (mean +/- SD) to 25 +/- 12 mm Hg (p < 0.001). None required immediate surgical intervention. At intermediate-term follow-up, 6 (23%) of 26 had restenosis develop and underwent surgical (4 patients) or repeat balloon valvuloplasty (2 patients). Clinical and echo-Doppler data 3 to 9 years (median 6 years) after balloon valvuloplasty revealed residual peak instantaneous Doppler gradients of 26 +/- 13 mm Hg (p < 0.001), without restenosis beyond what was observed at intermediate-term follow-up. Aortic insufficiency progressed in seven patients. However, none required intervention. Actuarial intervention-free rates at 1, 2, 5, and 9 years were 80%, 76%, 76%, and 76%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis suggested that the degree of Doppler-quantitated aortic insufficiency 1 day after valvuloplasty predicts persistent aortic insufficiency at late follow-up. These data indicate that immediately successful balloon aortic valvuloplasty in children yields a residual gradient of < or = 36 mm Hg at a median of 6 years of follow-up in most patients and an intervention-free rate at 9 years of 76%. Restenosis occurs but can be treated with a repeat intervention with good results. Aortic insufficiency remains stable and does not appear to require intervention, at least during the first decade after balloon dilatation.

Versatility of Inoue balloon catheter

Inoue rubber nylon single balloon catheter is being used worldwide for performing balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV). The popularity of Inoue balloon is attributed to its self-positioning configuration, size-adjustability, rapid inflation-deflation sequence and the ease of performance. We report its use in performing various non-mitral interventions. Its utility in treating patients with mitral stenosis and combined mitral and tricuspid stenosis is well established. Seventeen patients with valvular pulmonic stenosis (age 32+/-16 years; 11 males and 6 females) achieved significant reduction of peak systolic gradient (PSG) from 125+/-28 to 32+/-16 mmHg (P<0.005). Four patients with inferior vena-cava obstruction (age 20-48 years; 3 males and 1 female) derived symptomatic benefit following successful dilatation. Inoue balloon was used to create percutaneous pericardial window in four cases (age 43-68 years; 2 males and 2 females) of recurrent pericardial collection secondary to carcinoma lung/breast, thus alleviating the symptoms of tamponade. One patient each with coarctation of aorta (32 years, male), discrete subaortic membrane (16 years, female), and critical valvular aortic stenosis (13 years, male) derived immediate hemodynamic improvement with Inoue balloon dilatation. No major complications were encountered. We conclude that Inoue balloon can be used to successfully manage various stenotic lesions.

Management of pediatric patients with isolated valvar aortic stenosis by balloon aortic valvuloplasty

Moderate to severe aortic stenosis in children requires an initial procedure to improve the stenosis and often additional procedures for recurrent stenosis or aortic insufficiency before adulthood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate children who underwent balloon valvuloplasty and were followed with a specific management plan. Twenty-two children with aortic stenosis underwent balloon valvuloplasty and were followed on a regular basis. Repeat valvuloplasty was performed if indicated. The initial gradient was reduced from 63 +/- 9 mmHg to 28 +/- 8 mmHg (P < 0.001). There were no deaths and only one major complication, which had no sequelae. Average follow-up was 61 +/- 23 months. Three patients required valve replacement 39-76 months after valvuloplasty for progressive insufficiency. Seven patients underwent successful repeat valvuloplasty. The overall probability of survival without surgical intervention was 75% at 100 months. Balloon valvuloplasty is an effective intermediate palliation for aortic stenosis and is an acceptable alternative to surgical valvotomy. Repeat valvuloplasty is successful without additional risk. In a subgroup of patients, aortic insufficiency is progressive and will require surgical intervention.

Aortic valve repair and replacement after balloon aortic valvuloplasty in children

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the incidence, indications, and results of surgical repair or replacement of the aortic valve after balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) for congenital aortic stenosis in children. This study was designed to evaluate patterns of failure requiring operation after BAV for congenital aortic stenosis and to review our experience with successful repair, rather than replacement, of selected aortic valves after BAV.

METHODS

From March 1986 to June 1995, 60 patients with congenital aortic stenosis aged 1 day to 27 years (mean +/- standard deviation, 7.3 +/- 6 years) underwent BAV. Twenty-three patients (38%) required operation a mean of 44 +/- 37 months (range, 1 to 110 months) after BAV, because of severe aortic insufficiency in 13 patients and recurrent or residual aortic stenosis in 10 patients. Severe aortic insufficiency was invariably due to avulsion of a cusp from the annulus, with resulting cusp prolapse and insufficiency. Operative intervention consisted of valve replacement in 14 patients and valve repair in 9 patients. Repair techniques included reattachment of an avulsed cusp to the aortic annulus, relief of commissural fusion, and debridement of thickened cusps.

RESULTS

Actuarial freedom from surgical intervention after BAV was 88% +/- 4% at 1 year, 70% +/- 6% at 5 years, and 51% +/- 12% at 9 years. The need for aortic valve operation was unrelated to age at the time of BAV, indication for operation (aortic insufficiency versus aortic stenosis), age of operation, or preoperative gradient. All patients survived aortic valve operation; there was one late death at an average follow-up of 27 +/- 20 months (range, 2 to 61 months) after aortic valve operation. Stenosis was well relieved in all patients undergoing valve replacement. The 9 valve repair patients have been followed for 22 +/- 14 months (range, 1 to 47 months). Echocardiographic follow-up of the valve repair patients revealed a mean residual aortic stenosis peak instantaneous gradient of 32 mm Hg and mild aortic insufficiency or less in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic valve operation is required in 5% to 7% of patients yearly after BAV. The need for operation appears to be unrelated to age at the time of BAV; aortic insufficiency predominates over aortic stenosis as an indication for operative intervention. Valve repair can be applied in some patients after BAV with good intermediate-term results and may delay the need for aortic valve replacement.

Midterm results of balloon dilation of congenital aortic stenosis: predictors of success

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated patient and procedural characteristics that influence the midterm success of balloon dilation of congenital aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND

Balloon dilation is a new treatment for congenital aortic stenosis. Factors that influence midterm success are unknown.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 148 children >1 month old who underwent balloon dilation for aortic stenosis.

RESULTS

Balloon dilation was successful in 87% of patients, with a procedural mortality rate of 0.7%. The average immediate peak to peak gradient reduction was 56.4 +/- 19.9% (mean +/- SD). Prior valvotomy was the only factor that significantly reduced the immediate gradient reduction after dilation (47.1 +/- 21.8% vs. 57.8 +/- 19.6%, p < 0.01). Survival after dilation was 95% at 8 years. Seventy-five percent of patients were free of repeat intervention 4 years after dilation, whereas 50% remained free of repeat intervention at 8 years. Asymmetrically thick valve leaflets (risk ratio [RR] 0.17, p < 0.01) and prior aortic valvotomy (RR 0.35, p = 0.02) decreased the risk of repeat intervention. Aortic regurgitation grade > or = 3 (RR 4.27, p = 0.04) and residual gradient after dilation (RR 1.63 for 10 mm Hg, p < 0.01) increased the risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The 8-year survival rate after dilation was 95% with 50% of patients free of repeat intervention. Factors that increased the risk for repeat intervention included symmetrically thin or thick aortic valve leaflets, regurgitation grade > or = 3 after dilation and a high residual gradient after dilation. The incidence of repeat intervention after dilation was high owing to its palliative nature.

Independent predictors of immediate results of percutaneous balloon aortic valvotomy in children. Valvuloplasty and Angioplasty of Congenital Anomalies (VACA) Registry Investigators

Smaller patient series have not explored the independent relations between patient selection and technical factors that may impact on acute results of percutaneous balloon aortic valvotomy. To determine such relations, results from the Valvuloplasty and Angioplasty of Congenital Anomalies Registry were examined from 630 balloon aortic valvotomies in 606 patients from 23 institutions. Median age was 6.8 years (range 1 day to 18 years). The procedure could not be performed or completed in 4.1%. The left ventricular to aortic gradient was reduced by a mean +/- SD of 60 +/- 23% (p < 0.0001). Procedure-related mortality was 1.9%. A suboptimal outcome was defined arbitrarily as failure to perform the procedure, a residual gradient > or = 60 mm Hg or LV: aortic pressure ratio > or = 1.6, or major morbidity or mortality, and was noted for 17% of procedures. Independent risk factors from multiple logistic regression analyses included age < 3 months, higher preprocedure gradient, earlier procedure date, the presence of unrepaired aortic coarctation, and the use of undersized balloons. Detailed analysis revealed the optimal balloon: valve diameter ratio to be 0.9 to 1.0, with undersized balloons resulting in significant residual obstruction and oversized balloons resulting in aortic regurgitation complications. Improvements in results over time were related to increasing experience within individual institutions. Thus, percutaneous balloon aortic valvotomy provides adequate relief of obstruction, with minimal complications in most patients.

Stepwise Inoue balloon catheter valvuloplasty for congenital aortic valve stenosis: comparison with standard balloon catheter technique

Experience with stepwise balloon dilatation of congenital aortic valve stenosis using the new Inoue balloon catheter in 16 patients (aged 12 +/- 4.6 years; group II) is presented. Results are compared with those obtained in 15 patients (10 +/- 6 years; group I) in whom standard balloon catheters were used. The procedure resulted in a similar transvalvar gradient reduction in both groups (83 +/- 25 to 34 +/- 14 mmHg in group I versus 84 +/- 21 to 28 +/- 10 mmHg in group II). Significant aortic incompetence occurred in three patients from group I and in four from group II. There was no difference in the average increase in AR grade between the groups. At follow-up (group I, 24 +/- 13 months; group II, 7 +/- 3 months) there was no significant change in transaortic gradient or aortic incompetence. Balloon aortic valvuloplasty for congenital aortic stenosis carries a risk of aortic incompetence. Stepwise dilatation of the stenosis does not prevent this complication. The Inoue balloon catheter offers technical advantages.

Right subscapular artery catheterization for balloon valvuloplasty of critical aortic stenosis in infants

This study was performed to evaluate the utility and safety of catheterizing the right subscapular artery for balloon valvuloplasty of critical aortic stenosis in infants. Twenty-one patients, age 20 days to 17 months, underwent attempted valvuloplasty through the surgically exposed right subscapular artery. Five or 7Fr catheters with balloon diameters of 7 to 10 mm were used. Valvuloplasty was successfully performed using this approach in 11 patients. In 2 other patients, the subscapular artery would not accommodate the balloon angioplasty catheter (7Fr), and the arteriotomy was extended into the axillary artery. In these 13 patients, the peak systolic pressure gradient across the aortic valve was decreased from 85 +/- 23 to 33 +/- 7 mm Hg. Moderate aortic regurgitation developed in 3 patients. In the remaining 8 patients, valvuloplasty could not be performed through the right subscapular artery. In 2 patients, the right subclavian artery was anomalous and led to the descending aorta. In 6 small patients, no catheter could be advanced across the aortic valve. In 1 of these patients, a guidewire perforated a coronary sinus of Valsalva causing death. Overall, valvuloplasty using the right subscapular arterial approach was successful in 13 of 19 infants (68%) with normal right subclavian arteries, including all 10 such patients weighing > or = 5.5 kg. No clinically significant peripheral vascular complications or brachial plexus injuries occurred. Thus, the right subscapular arterial approach is an alternative route to be considered when planning balloon aortic valvuloplasty in infants.

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty in adults: failure of procedure to improve long-term survival

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to determine the long-term outcome of adult patients undergoing percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty.

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty has been offered as an alternative to aortic valve replacement for selected patients with valvular aortic stenosis. Although balloon aortic valvuloplasty produces an immediate reduction in the transvalvular aortic gradient, a high incidence of restenosis frequently leads to recurrent symptoms. Therefore, it is unclear whether balloon aortic valvuloplasty impacts on the long-term outcome of these patients.

METHODS

Clinical, hemodynamic and echocardiographic data were collected at baseline in 165 patients undergoing balloon aortic valvuloplasty and examined for their ability to predict long-term outcome.

RESULTS

The median duration follow-up was 3.9 years (range 1 to 6). Ninety-nine percent follow-up was achieved. During this 6-year period, 152 patients (93%) died or underwent aortic valve replacement, and 99 (60%) died of cardiac-related causes. The probability of event-free survival (freedom from death, aortic valve replacement or repeat balloon aortic valvuloplasty) 1, 2 and 3 years after valvuloplasty was 40%, 19% and 6%, respectively. In contrast, the probability of survival 3 years after balloon aortic valvuloplasty in a subset of 42 patients who underwent subsequent aortic valve replacement was 84%. Survival after aortic valvuloplasty was poor regardless of the presenting symptom, but patients with New York Heart Association functional class IV congestive heart failure had events earliest. Univariable predictors of decreased event-free survival were younger age, advanced congestive heart failure symptoms, lower ejection fraction, elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, presence of coronary artery disease and increased left ventricular internal diastolic diameter. Stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis found that only younger age and a lower left ventricular ejection fraction contributed independent adverse prognostic information (chi-square 14.89, p = 0.0006).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term event-free and actuarial survival after balloon aortic valvuloplasty is dismal and resembles the natural history of untreated aortic stenosis. Aortic valve replacement may be performed in selected subjects with good results. However, the prognosis for the remainder of patients who are not candidates for aortic valve replacement is particularly poor.

Effectiveness of balloon valvuloplasty in the young adult with congenital aortic stenosis

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of balloon valvuloplasty in the young adult with congenital aortic stenosis and to compare its effectiveness with children. Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty is effective in children with congenital aortic stenosis, but not in adults with acquired calcific aortic stenosis. Because effectiveness of balloon valvuloplasty in young adults with congenital aortic stenosis is not well defined, we evaluated the outcome in 15 patients aged 16-24 years (18 +/- 0.6; mean +/- SEM) who underwent balloon valvuloplasty from 1985 to 1993. The aortic valve annulus diameter ranged from 18.5 to 30 mm (24 +/- 0.9). The aortic valve was bicuspid in 12 and tricuspid in 3 patients, and calcification was present in one patient. Balloon valvuloplasty was performed using a double balloon technique in 12 patients and a single balloon technique in three patients. Three patients had inadequate relief of gradient with a residual peak systolic gradient > or = 70 mm Hg. Three patients required valve replacement-two patients for a residual gradient > or = 70 mg Hg, and one patient 4 years later for severe aortic valve regurgitation. Eight of the remaining 12 have undergone elective follow-up catheterization 1.2-2.5 years (1.5 +/- 0.1) later. The peak systolic aortic valve gradient decreased by 55% from 73 +/- 5.8 mm Hg to 35 +/- 5.4 mm Hg immediately postvalvuloplasty, and was 30 +/- 4.4 mm Hg at follow-up (P < 0.001). The left ventricular systolic pressure decreased from 179 +/- 7.5 to 147 +/- 6.5 mm Hg immediately postvalvuloplasty and was 147 +/- 4 mm Hg at follow-up. Aortic insufficiency was unchanged after valvuloplasty in 9, increased by 1+ in 4, and by 2+ in 2 patients. Balloon valvuloplasty was as effective in these young adults as in 70 children (age 6 +/- 0.7 years) with congenital aortic stenosis (peak systolic gradient pre- 79 +/- 3 mm Hg versus post- 34 +/- 2 mg Hg; at 1-2 years follow-up 34 +/- 4 mm Hg). Balloon valvuloplasty provides effective treatment in most young adults with congenital aortic stenosis, without early restenosis. Balloon valvuloplasty is as effective in young adults as in children, where it is currently the treatment of choice.

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty for aortic stenosis in neonates, children, and young adults

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty is a safe and effective treatment for aortic stenosis in neonates, children, and young adults. The indication for balloon valvuloplasty in children is a peak systolic gradient > 70 mmHg or > 50 mmHg in any patient with symptoms. Published results indicate that the procedure results in an acute reduction in gradient ranging from 49%-70%, and this reduction appears to persist through at least an intermediate follow-up. The percentage reduction in gradient is similar for neonates as well as older children. In neonates, it is imperative to evaluate the size of the left ventricle prior to balloon valvuloplasty since mortality is highest in those with variants of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Though morbidity and mortality is higher in the neonatal age group, the results are similar to those following surgical intervention. In children older than 1 month of age, the major complication is the development of aortic regurgitation, although it usually appears to be well-tolerated. Previous surgical valvotomy is not a contraindication to balloon aortic valvuloplasty. In the current era, we believe that balloon aortic valvuloplasty should be considered as the first option in neonates, children and young adults with significant aortic valve obstruction.

The role of catheter-directed therapies in the treatment of congenital heart disease

Over the past decade, transcatheter interventions have become increasingly important in the treatment of patients with congenital heart defects. These procedures may be broadly grouped as dilations (valvuloplasty, angioplasty, and endovascular stenting) or as closures (vascular embolizations and device closure of defects). Balloon valvuloplasty has become the treatment of choice for simple valvar pulmonic stenosis in all age groups and, although not curative, appears at least comparable to surgery for noncalcific aortic stenosis in newborns through young adults. Balloon angioplasty is successfully applied to a wide range of aortic, pulmonary artery, and venous stenoses. Catheter-delivered coils are used to embolize a wide range of arterial, venous, and prosthetic vascular connections. Although still investigational, devices have been successfully used for closure of large numbers of atrial and ventricular septal defects. In this review, the current role of each major catheter intervention is discussed and results are compared with alternative forms of therapy. Catheter-based therapeutics are then placed in context in a discussion of combined catheter-surgical treatment of patients with complex congenital heart defects.

Critical aortic stenosis in the neonate. A comparison of balloon valvuloplasty and transventricular dilation

The optimal treatment of critical aortic stenosis in the neonate and infant remains controversial. We compared transventricular dilation using normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass and percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty with respect to early and late survival, relief of aortic stenosis, degree of aortic insufficiency, left ventricular function, and freedom from reintervention. Between July 1987 and July 1993, 30 neonates and infants underwent transventricular dilation or balloon aortic valvuloplasty for critical aortic stenosis. The patients in the transventricular dilation group (n = 21) ranged in age from 1 to 59 days (mean age 18.0 days +/- 19.1 days) and the balloon aortic valvuloplasty group (n = 9) from 1 to 31 days (mean age 10.0 days +/- 9.0 days). There were no significant differences in weight, body surface area, or aortic anulus diameter between the two groups (p = 1.0). Associated cardiovascular anomalies were more common in the transventricular dilation group (48%) than in the balloon aortic valvuloplasty group (11%). After intervention, the degree of residual aortic stenosis and insufficiency was equivalent in the two groups as assessed by postprocedural Doppler echocardiography. Ejection fraction improved within both groups (transventricular dilation 39% +/- 20.2% versus 47% +/- 22.0%; balloon aortic valvuloplasty 51% +/- 16.1% versus 62% +/- 8.4%), and there was no significant difference between groups. The left ventricular mass/volume ratio increased within both groups (p < 0.05) but with no significant difference between groups (transventricular dilation 1.4 +/- 0.5 gm/ml versus 1.8 +/- 0.6 gm/ml; balloon aortic valvuloplasty 1.1 +/- 0.6 gm/ml versus 1.7 +/- 0.4 gm/ml). Early mortality in the transventricular dilation group was 9.5% and in the balloon aortic valvuloplasty group, 11.1%. There was one late death in the transventricular dilation group. Four patients from the transventricular dilation group (19%) and two patients from the balloon aortic valvuloplasty group (22%) required reintervention for further relief of aortic stenosis. We conclude that both transventricular dilation and balloon aortic valvuloplasty provide adequate and equivalent relief of critical aortic stenosis. The treatment strategy adopted should depend on other factors, including associated cardiovascular anomalies, vascular access, preoperative condition, and the technical expertise available at each institution.

Balloon dilatation of the aortic valve after previous surgical valvotomy: immediate and follow up results

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the immediate and long-term results of transcatheter balloon dilatation of the aortic valve for restenosis after previous surgical valvotomy.

DESIGN

Prospective follow up by clinical examination and cross sectional Doppler echocardiography of all patients fulfilling the above criteria.

SETTING

Tertiary paediatric cardiology referral centre.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

22 patients (18 male, 4 female)--median (range) age 157.5 (12-254) months--underwent 25 balloon dilatation procedures at a median of 72 (8-155) months after surgery. The median age at surgical valvotomy was 82.5 (0.5-230) months and the systolic gradient across the aortic valve immediately after surgery was 31 (0-49) mm Hg. The indication for dilatation was a Doppler derived peak instantaneous gradient of > 60 mm Hg with grade 2 or less aortic regurgitation. A single balloon was used, and the median balloon to annulus ratio was 1 (0.9-1).

RESULTS

After dilatation the catheter pullback gradient decreased acutely from 55 (35-75) to 30 (0-75) mm Hg (p < 0.01) and the Doppler gradient from 74 (52-92) to 40.5 (30-96) mm Hg (p < 0.01). In three patients who underwent a second dilatation of the aortic valve eight months after the first procedure, the pullback gradient decreased from 50 (50-60) to 15 (15-16) mm Hg. Aortic regurgitation grade increased from 1 (0-2) to 2 (1-3); only one patient had grade 3 regurgitation. Over a median follow up of 33 (2-67) months seven patients had aortic valve replacement for recurrent stenosis (six patients) or severe regurgitation (one patient with grade 3 regurgitation after dilatation, who had partial detachment of one of the valve leaflets). There was no significant difference for the pullback gradient (median of 19 v 32.5 mm Hg), Doppler gradient 24 hours after dilatation (33.5 v 50.5 mm Hg; p = 0.03), or the duration of follow up (27.5 v 18 months) between the 12 patients who did not require further dilatation or surgery and the 10 patients who did.

CONCLUSIONS

Balloon dilatation of the aortic valve is a safe and feasible option for palliation of restenosis after surgical valvotomy for congenital aortic valve stenosis. In many patients, however, stenosis progressed and a further intervention was required.