Transluminal balloon dilatation for discrete subaortic stenosis in adults and children: early and intermediate results

Long-Term Outcome of Patients With Isolated Thin Discrete Subaortic Stenosis Treated by Balloon Dilation

Background—

Transluminal balloon tearing of the membrane in a thin discrete subaortic stenosis is an alternative to membrane surgical resection. However, the long-term outcome of patients with isolated thin discrete subaortic stenosis treated by transluminal balloon tearing remains unknown.

Methods and Results—

This 25-year study describes findings from 76 patients with isolated thin discrete subaortic stenosis who underwent percutaneous transluminal balloon tearing of the membrane and were followed up for a mean period of 16±6 years. The age at presentation had a wide range (2–67 years). The mean age at treatment was 19±16 years. Immediately after treatment, the subvalvular gradient decreased from 70±27 to 18±12 mm Hg ( P <0.001). No significant postprocedural aortic regurgitation was observed. After a mean follow-up time of 16±6 years, 11 patients (15%) developed restenosis, 3 patients (4%) progressed to muscular obstructive disease, and 1 patient (1.3%) developed a new distant obstructive membrane. Twelve patients (16%) were redilated at a mean of 5±3 years after their first treatment, and 4 patients (5%) underwent surgery at a mean of 3±2 years after their first treatment. Fifty-eight patients (77%) remained alive and free of redilation or surgery at follow-up. Larger annulus diameter and thinner membranes were independent factors associated with better long-term results.

Conclusions—

Most patients (77%) with isolated thin discrete subaortic stenosis treated with transluminal balloon tearing of the membrane had sustained relief at subsequent follow-ups without restenosis, the need for surgery, progression to muscular obstructive disease, or an increase in the degree of aortic regurgitation.

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.

Percutaneous balloon dilatation of subaortic membrane using an Inoue balloon

Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction caused by a discrete subaortic membrane in a young female was successfully dilated using an Inoue balloon catheter. The Inoue balloon catheter was used in a retrograde manner via the femoral artery.