Balloon dilatation of the stenosed aortic valve: how does it work? Why does it fail?

The hemodynamic changes that may occur in patients undergoing aortic balloon valvuloplasty were examined in the circulatory model. Four conclusions were reached. (1) Significant transvalvular pressure gradients appear only if the orifice is severely narrowed.

Balloon valvuloplasty in calcified aortic stenosis: a cause for caution and alarm.

Balloon dilation by the percutaneous route has recently been recommended as an alternative to surgical intervention in the management of calcified aortic valvular stenosis. To investigate the validity of balloon valvuloplasty, this procedure was carried out in the operating room under direct vision in 30 patients just prior to excision and replacement of the ossified aortic valve. Changes induced by balloon dilation were evaluated by visual inspection as well as by geometric measurements.

Limited value of balloon dilatation in calcified aortic stenosis in adults: direct observations during open heart surgery.

Percutaneous balloon dilatation was recently recommended as a treatment for management of calcified aortic valvular stenosis. This procedure was initially reserved for patients who were not considered surgical candidates; it is now regarded by some as an acceptable alternative for valve replacement. To investigate the validity of this postulate, balloon valvuloplasty was performed under direct vision in the operating room in 16 patients just before excision and replacement of their ossified aortic valve.