Versatility of Inoue balloon catheter

Percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (PBPV) of extreme pulmonary valve stenosis by the use of Accura balloon

Transcatheter therapy of valvular pulmonary stenosis is one of first catheter interventions facilitating its application in field of structural heart disease and now treatment of choice for significant pulmonary stenosis. Myriads of balloon catheter have been used for this purpose starting from Diamond (Boston Scientific,Natick, MA USA), Marshal (Medi-Tech,Watertown MAUSA), Innoue balloon, Tyshak I and currently Tyshak II. Diameter and length of balloon depend on size of annulus and age group, respectively. Problem with shorter balloon is difficulty in keeping it across the annulus while inflation as it tends to slip distally whereas with longer balloon, potential of tricuspid leak or conduction block as it may impinge on adjacent structures. Potential advantage of Accura balloon over Tyshak balloon lies in its peculiar shape while inflation and variable diameter, making stepwise dilatation possible. Here, we report a case of successful balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty using Accura balloon (Vascular Concept, UK) with little modification of conventional technique.

Percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty: State of the art

Since the first description of balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty in 1982 by Kan, the procedure has been extensively utilized by several groups of workers for relief of pulmonary valve stenosis. It is generally recommended that the procedure be performed for peak-to-peak gradients in excess of 50 mmHg. The technique involves positioning one or more balloon catheters across the stenotic valve, usually over an extra-stiff guide wire and inflating the balloons with diluted contrast material, thus producing valvotomy. The procedural details are described in this paper. The currently recommended balloon/annulus ratio is 1.2 to 1.25. Immediate reduction of gradient, increase in jet width and free motion of the pulmonary valve leaflets with less doming have been observed following balloon dilatation. Improvement of right ventricular function, tricuspid insufficiency and right-to-left shunt has also occurred. Complication can occur, but are rare and minimal. At mid-term follow-up, both catheterization measured peak-to-peak gradients and Doppler-measured peak instantaneous gradients remain improved for the group as a whole. However, restenosis, defined as gradient >or=50 mmHg, has been observed in nearly 10% of children. Predictors of restenosis include balloon/annulus ratio <1.2 and immediate post-valvuloplasty gradient >or=30 mmHg. Small pulmonary valve annulus, earlier study year and post-surgical complex pulmonary stenosis have also been identified as factors predictive of restenosis. Redilatation with balloons that are larger than those used at the time of initial balloon valvuloplasty produces excellent results and redilatation is the procedure of choice in the management of restenosis after previous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty. Long-term follow-up results are scanty, but the limited data reveal minimal additional restenosis, event-free rates in mid-80s and mid-70s at 10 and 15 years respectively and significant increase in prevalence of pulmonary insufficiency. Balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty is equally successful in neonates as well as in adult subjects. In conclusion, balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty is the treatment of choice for relief of pulmonary valve stenosis. Use of balloons 1.2 to 1.25 times larger than pulmonary valve annulus may produce optimal results. Life-long follow-up to identify the significance of residual pulmonary insufficiency is indicated.

Pulmonary Stenosis

Balloon valvuloplasty provides optimal treatment for moderate and severe pulmonary valve stenosis. Dysplastic pulmonary valves may not respond to balloon dilation and frequently require surgical treatment. Balloon angioplasty with or without stenting is the preferred treatment of peripheral pulmonary stenosis.

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty revisited: the role of the inoue balloon and transseptal antegrade approach

Percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty (PABV) was developed to provide a less invasive alternative to aortic valve replacement. Despite initially favorable results, PABV has not produced reliable and durable outcomes. The Inoue balloon used for PABV via an antegrade transseptal approach may offer an improvement over the Mansfield balloons via the identical route. Thirteen consecutive patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis were referred for percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty. All patients were considered unacceptably high-risk surgical candidates. Seven consecutive patients underwent antegrade transseptal PABV with Mansfield balloons and in the following six the Inoue balloon was used. The study group was characterized by advanced age (mean, 77) and multiple comorbid conditions (mean, 2.5/patient). Before PABV, the two groups did not differ with respect to age, mean NYHA class, LVEF, transaortic gradient, cardiac output, or aortic valve area. All patients had initial hemodynamic improvement. Complications included one stroke and one vascular injury. After valvuloplasty, cardiac output was not significantly changed. However, there was a significant decrease in aortic gradient and an increase in aortic valve area in both groups; the increase in aortic valve area was significantly greater in those treated with the Inoue balloon (P = 0. 039). Total follow-up mortality was high but appeared to be delayed in the Inoue group. The use of the Inoue balloon with an antegrade transseptal approach warrants further investigation as a preferred technique for PABV.