Long-term results after balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty

Right ventricular outflow tract anomalies: Neonatal interventions and outcomes

Right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) anomalies comprise a wide spectrum of congenital heart disease, typically characterized by obstruction to flow from the right ventricle to pulmonary arteries. This review highlights important considerations surrounding management strategy as well as clinical outcomes for the neonate with RVOT anomaly, including: pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, congenital pulmonary valve stenosis, tetralogy of Fallot, and Ebstein anomaly with anatomic or physiologic RVOT obstruction.

Valvular heart disease in congenital heart disease: a narrative review

Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are one of the fastest growing populations in cardiology, and valvular pathology is at the center of many congenital lesions. Derangements in valvular embryology lead to several anomalies prone to dysfunction, each with hemodynamic effects that require appropriate surveillance and management. Surgical innovation has provided new treatments that have improved survival in this population, though has also contributed to esotericism in patients who already have unique anatomic and physiologic considerations. Conduit and prosthesis durability are often monitored collaboratively with general and specialized congenital-focused cardiologists. As such, general cardiologists must become familiar with valvular disease with CHD for appropriate care and referral practices. In this review, we summarize the embryology of the semilunar and atrioventricular (AV) valves as a foundation for understanding the origins of valvular CHD and describe the mechanisms that account for heterogeneity in disease. We then highlight the categories of pathology from the simple (e.g., bicuspid aortic valve, isolated pulmonic stenosis) to the more complex (e.g., Ebstein's anomaly, AV valvular disease in single ventricle circulations) with details on natural history, diagnosis, and contemporary therapeutic approaches. Care for CHD patients requires collaborative effort between providers, both CHD-specialized and not, to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Progressive right ventricular enlargement due to pulmonary regurgitation: Clinical characteristics of a "low-risk" group

BACKGROUND

The optimal interval between serial cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) scans for monitoring right ventricular (RV) enlargement in the setting of severe pulmonic valve regurgitation (PR) is unknown. The purposes of this study were to (1) determine the annual change in RV volume on serial CMRI scans and (2) identify the risk factors for rapid progression of RV enlargement.

METHODS

A retrospective study of adults with postintervention native valve PR and ≥2 CMRI scans at Mayo Clinic Rochester from 2000 to 2015 was conducted. Rapid progression of RV enlargement was defined as first upper quartile of annual increase in RV end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVi) for the cohort.

RESULTS

Of the 63 patients (age, 36 ± 9 years) in the study, 43 (68%) had tetralogy of Fallot, whereas 20 (32%) had valvular pulmonic stenosis. Right ventricular outflow tract interventions that resulted in PR were balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (n = 4; 7%), transannular patch repair (n = 30; 58%), and nontransannular patch repair (n = 18; 35%). Interval between baseline and second CMRI was 2 (1-4) years. In comparison to baseline CMRI, RVEDVi increased from 130 (109-141) to 135 (126-155) mL/m² and median annual change in RVEDVi was 3.1 (1.7-5.9) mL/m². Univariate risk factors for rapid progression of RV enlargement (annual increase in RVEDVi >6 mL/m²) were ≥moderate tricuspid regurgitation and RVEDVi >130 mL/m². Among the 24 patients without these risk factors (low-risk subgroup), RVEDVi increased by only 3 (0-7) mL/m² over 7 (5-9) years.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PR without RVEDVi >130 mL/m² and/or ≥moderate tricuspid regurgitation represent a low-risk subgroup that may be appropriate for clinical and echo follow-up but may potentially require infrequent CMRI follow-up.

Results of balloon pulmonary valvoplasty in children with Noonan's syndrome

Pulmonary valve stenosis is common in patients with Noonan's syndrome. The response to balloon valvoplasty varies.We assessed the correlation between re-intervention rate, immediate response, and the progress of the valve gradient over time after intervention.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study conducted from 1995 to 2014.

RESULTS

Of 14 patients identified, seven had re-intervention 28±54 months (range 3-149, median 3.3) after valvoplasty. These patients did not have a significant decrease in gradient after intervention. Their gradient subsequently decreased during follow-up and then became static before increasing years after intervention. In contrast, the gradient of patients not requiring further intervention continually reduced over time. Demographics did not differ between these groups.

CONCLUSION

We could not identify predisposing factors for long-term success of pulmonary valvoplasty in Noonan's patients, but the trajectory of gradients differs significantly between patients needing re-intervention from those who remain free from re-intervention.

Pulmonic Valve Disease: Review of Pathology and Current Treatment Options

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Our review is intended to provide readers with an overview of disease processes involving the pulmonic valve, highlighting recent outcome studies and guideline-based recommendations; with focus on the two most common interventions for treating pulmonic valve disease, balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty and pulmonic valve replacement.

RECENT FINDINGS

The main long-term sequelae of balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty, the gold standard treatment for pulmonic stenosis, remain pulmonic regurgitation and valvular restenosis. The balloon:annulus ratio is a major contributor to both, with high ratios resulting in greater degrees of regurgitation, and small ratios increasing risk for restenosis. Recent studies suggest that a ratio of approximately 1.2 may provide the most optimal results. Pulmonic valve replacement is currently the procedure of choice for patients with severe pulmonic regurgitation and hemodynamic sequelae or symptoms, yet it remains uncertain how it impacts long-term survival. Transcatheter pulmonic valve replacement is a rapidly evolving field and recent outcome studies suggest short and mid-term results at least equivalent to surgery. The Melody valve® was FDA approved for failing pulmonary surgical conduits in 2010 and for failing bioprosthetic surgical pulmonic valves in 2017 and has been extensively studied, whereas the Sapien XT valve®, offering larger diameters, was approved for failing pulmonary conduits in 2016 and has been less extensively studied. Patients with pulmonic valve disease deserve lifelong surveillance for complications. Transcatheter pulmonic valve replacement is a novel and attractive therapeutic option, but is currently only FDA approved for patients with failing pulmonary conduits or dysfunctional surgical bioprosthetic valves. New advances will undoubtedly increase the utilization of this rapidly expanding technology.

The effect of balloon valvuloplasty for bioprosthetic valve stenosis at pulmonary positions

BACKGROUND

Balloon dilatation of a bioprosthetic valve in the pulmonary position could be performed to delay valve replacement. We proposed to identify the long-term effectiveness of such a procedure.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 49 patients who underwent balloon valvuloplasty between January 2000 and December 2015. The primary goal was to determine the time interval until the following surgical or catheter intervention.

RESULTS

The mean age at bioprosthetic valve insertion was 5.7 years old, and the mean age for ballooning was 11.7 years. The mean interval after pulmonary valve replacement was 71.6 months. The mean ratio of balloon size to valve size was 0.94. The pressure gradient through the pulmonary valve after balloon valvuloplasty was significantly improved (55.3 ± 18.5 mm Hg vs 33.8 ± 21.5 mm Hg, P < .001). There were no significant changes in pulmonary regurgitation and no serious adverse events. Patients had a mean freedom from re-intervention of 30.6 months after balloon valvuloplasty. The interval of freedom from re-intervention was affected only by the pressure gradient before balloon valvuloplasty and the patient age at insertion. The mean interval to re-intervention in patients with pressure gradients less than 48.5 mm Hg before ballooning was 46.0 months, which was significantly longer than for those with a higher gradient (18.7 months).

CONCLUSION

The effectiveness of this process may depend on the pressure gradient before ballooning and the patient age at valve insertion. It is possible that earlier valvuloplasty at pressure gradient not over 48.5mm Hg may have a benefit to delaying re-operation.

Critical Pulmonary Stenosis in Infants and Neonates in the Era of Interventional Cardiology

Between September 1992 and February 1998, 22 consecutive patients aged 4 to 90 days with critical valvular pulmonary stenosis underwent percutaneous transluminal balloon valvuloplasty. Sixteen were cyanosed and 7 required prostaglandin infusion. The pulmonary valve was successfully crossed in all patients. Progressive dilatation was used to attain a final balloon to valve ratio between 1.2 and 1.4. Mean right ventricular systolic pressure dropped from 109 ± 26 to 34 ± 1 mm Hg. Oxygen saturation increased from 84% ± 8% to 98% ± 2%. There were 5 complications including 1 death due to valvular damage, 1 hemopericardium requiring drainage and transfusion, significant blood loss during cannulation in 2 cases, and a fractured guidewire that was retrieved in another. Repeat valvuloplasty was performed in 2 patients. Two patients required surgery; one had a dysplastic pulmonary valve with persistent pulmonary stenosis and the other had a hypoplastic right ventricle. Of the 20 patients who had valvuloplasty alone, 17 (85%) remained well with a mean peak systolic Doppler gradient of 30 ± 26 mm Hg and no pulmonary regurgitation. We concluded that valvuloplasty is likely to be the only procedure necessary for the majority of infants and neonates with critical pulmonary stenosis. However, surgery is required in cases of dysplastic pulmonary valve or hypoplastic right ventricle.

What Interventional Cardiologists Are Still Leaving to the Surgeons?

Nowadays, development of new technologies is still ongoing with the ultimate goal of maximizing treatment outcomes with less invasiveness and reduced procedural risk. This review is intended to update on when interventionalists need surgical support in common or emerging problems in congenital heart disease.

Interventional Treatment of Pulmonary Valve Stenosis: A Single Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous pulmonary valvuloplasty is well established treatment of choice in pulmonary valve stenosis.

AIM

The aim of our study was to present our experience with the interventional technique, its immediate and mid-term effectiveness as well as its complication rate.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 43 patients, where 33 (74%) of them were children between the age of 1 month and 15 years.

RESULTS

The procedure was successful in 38 patients or 90%. Mean peak to peak transvalvular gradient was reduced from 91.2 mmHg (55-150 mmHg) to 39.1 mmHg (20-80 mmHg). Follow- up of patients was between 2 and 13 years and included echocardiographic evaluation of pulmonary valve gradient, right heart dimensions and function as well as assessment of pulmonary regurgitation. We experienced one major complication pericardial effusion in a 5 months old child that required pericardiocenthesis. Six patients (13.9%) required a second intervention. During the follow up period there was significant improvement of right heart function and echocardiography parameters. Mild pulmonary regurgitation was noted in 24 (55%) patients, and four (9%) patients developed moderate regurgitation, without affecting the function of the right ventricle.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous pulmonary valvuloplasty is an effective procedure in treatment of pulmonary stenosis with good short and mid-term results.

Contained rupture of patched right ventricular outflow tracts during balloon sizing for percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation

Transcatheter pulmonary valves are being used off-label to treat pulmonary insufficiency in patched right ventricular outflow tracts (RVOTs). We describe the first reported cases of patched RVOT rupture, during balloon sizing for percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation, in two patients with tetralogy of Fallot status post repair. Both RVOTs were too large for subsequent catheter-based intervention. The ruptures remained stable over time, and both patients were managed conservatively with follow-up imaging.

New devices and technology in interventional cardiology

There have been substantial improvements made in the tools and techniques used since the advent of percutaneous coronary intervention. What was primarily developed as a treatment of coronary artery disease is now used to address a variety of structural heart disease problems. The outcomes have been remarkably successful with relatively low complication rates that rival the results of open-heart surgery. This article will review some of the new devices available for management of structural cardiac conditions including congenital defects and acquired valvular abnormalities. Transcatheter treatment offers advantages over surgical intervention in recovery time, improved patient satisfaction, lower procedural risk, and avoidance of cardio-pulmonary bypass especially in high-risk patients. We will discuss different medical conditions and introduce the devices used to treat these conditions. Each device or technique has benefits and risks, and familiarity with the devices along with patient selection will best optimize the outcome.

Right and left ventricular mechanics and interaction late after balloon valvoplasty for pulmonary stenosis

AIMS

This study sought to explore right (RV) and left ventricular (LV) mechanics and ventricular-ventricular interaction in adolescents and young adults late after percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvoplasty (PBPV) for valvar pulmonary stenosis (PS).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Potential late effects of PS despite PBPV on cardiac mechanics have not been well defined. Thirty-one patients aged 20.2 ± 7.6 years were studied at 18 ± 6 years after PBPV. Ventricular myocardial deformation was determined using speckle tracking echocardiography, while RV and LV volumes and ejection fraction as well as LV systolic dyssynchrony index were assessed by three-dimensional echocardiography. The results were compared with those of 30 controls. Pulmonary regurgitation, mostly trivial to mild, was present in 90% (28/31) of patients. Compared with controls, patients had significantly greater RV end-diastolic (P < 0.001), RV end-systolic (P < 0.001), and LV end-systolic (P = 0.04) volumes as well as lower LV ejection fraction (P < 0.001). For deformation, patients had significantly reduced RV longitudinal systolic strain (P = 0.004), decreased LV circumferential systolic strain (P < 0.001), and strain rate (P = 0.001) as well as greater LV mechanical dyssynchrony (P < 0.001). In patients, RV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes correlated with LV circumferential strain (r = -0.47, P = 0.008 and r = -0.36, P = 0.049, respectively) and dyssynchrony (r = 0.53, P = 0.002 and r = 0.49, P = 0.005, respectively). Patients who had PBPV at age ≤1 year had ventricular deformation indices similar to those who had interventions beyond 1 year.

CONCLUSION

Impaired RV and LV mechanics and adverse ventricular-ventricular interaction occur in adolescents and young adults late after balloon valvoplasty for isolated valvar PS.

Pulmonary valve regurgitation following balloon valvuloplasty for pulmonary valve stenosis: Single center experience

Background:

Pulmonary valve regurgitation following balloon valvuloplasty for moderate to severe pulmonary valve stenosis is a known late outcome of this procedure.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to characterise the status of pulmonary regurgitation on follow up after pulmonary valve balloon dilatation (PVBD), and to study the determinant of the severity of PR.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 50 consecutive patients, aged 2 days to 18 years, with isolated pulmonary valve stenosis, who had undergone PVBD in 2004-2009 and were assessed with follow-up Doppler echocardiography. The impact of balloon to annulus ratio, age, and valve anatomy on the late development of moderate and severe pulmonary valve regurgitation following balloon valvuloplasty was analysed.

Results:

Six patients (12%) had no pulmonary valve regurgitation; 32 (64%) had mild, 9 (18%) had moderate, and 3 (6%) had severe pulmonary valve regurgitation at a mean follow-up of 4 years. Balloon to annulus ratio, age, and valve anatomy were not statistically significant predictors for moderate and severe pulmonary valve regurgitation.

Conclusions:

The majority of patients in our population had mild pulmonary valve regurgitation. Moderate to severe pulmonary valve regurgitation was well tolerated at midterm follow-up. Age, balloon to annulus ratio, and valve anatomy were not statistically significant predictors for the late development of moderate and severe valve regurgitation. Large and longer follow-up studies are needed to address this question.

A rare cause of pulmonary hypertension: congenital bilateral atresia of the superior pulmonary arteries and bilateral stenosis of the inferior pulmonary arteries

Bilateral absence (atresia) of the superior pulmonary arteries, combined with bilateral stenosis of the inferior pulmonary arteries, has not to our knowledge been reported before now. We report such a case in a 48-year-old woman, together with the medical and percutaneous catheter interventions used to treat her condition.

Delayed success of balloon dilation for coexisting pulmonary valve stenosis and sinotubular narrowing

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the outcomes of children at a single institution who underwent balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) for coexisting pulmonary valve stenosis (PVS) and sinotubular narrowing (STN).

BACKGROUND

BPV is the treatment of choice for PVS in children. Current practice favors surgical repair of moderate, severe, and symptomatic pulmonary stenosis when STN exists. This practice arose from lack of reduction in total pulmonary gradient (TPG) and frequent adverse events from BPV.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of outcomes in children with coexisting PVS and STN following BPV at a single institution was performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients were identified. Median age at BPV was 0.5 years (interquartile range (IQR) 0.3-2). Surgery was avoided in 15/23 (65%) (Group 1) and required in 8/23 (35%) (Group 2) following BPV. Group 1 had a mean baseline peak echo TPG of 60 mm Hg (±12) that decreased to 44 mm Hg (±10) following BPV (P < 0.01) and further to 21 mm Hg (±13) at 3.6 years (±2.2) following BPV (P < 0.01). Group 2 had a mean baseline peak echo TPG of 68 mm Hg (±17). TPG was unchanged by first echo after BPV at 56 mm Hg (±13) and just prior to surgery at 63 mm Hg (±15) (P > 0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

BPV has minimal acute effect on PVS when STN exists; however; long-term benefits are achieved in most. BPV should be considered first-line therapy given its safety and effectiveness. Only those with worsening clinical signs and symptoms should be referred for surgical repair following BPV.

Percutaneous Therapies in the Treatment of Valvular Pulmonary Stenosis

Transcatheter balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) is the standard of care in managing symptomatic patients with moderate-to-severe pulmonary valvular stenosis, or asymptomatic patients with severe pulmonary valvular stenosis or with moderate pulmonary stenosis and evidence of objective exercise intolerance or right ventricular dysfunction. This article discusses the incidence, causes, and pathophysiology of valvular pulmonary stenosis in adolescents and adults; its natural history and noninvasive evaluation; the current guideline-recommended indications for BPV; the technical aspects of performing BPV; the immediate and long-term outcomes after valvuloplasty; and the complications and safety of the procedure. Also discussed is the role of this procedure in neonatal critical pulmonary stenosis and in percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement for patients with prior pulmonic valve interventions or degenerated right ventricular pulmonary artery conduits.

Mid-Term Results of Balloon Pulmonary Valvuloplasty in Children at Queen Alia Heart Institute

Objective: To evaluate the mid-term results of balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) in children. Design: Prospective study. Settings: Pediatric Cardiology Department of Queen Alia Heart (QAHI), Jordan. Methods: One hundred and thirty-two patients with a median age of 3 years (range 1 day to 16 years), underwent (BPV) between January 1999 and January 2006. We evaluated our patients with regard to peak pressure gradient across the right ventricular outflow tract before and after BPV. Thereafter we followed them at the Outpatient Clinic regarding the peak instantaneous gradient pressure, the pulmonary valve incompetence, right ventricular function based on echocardiographic findings, and the need for repeat BPV. Results: There was significant reduction in the peak to peak gradient from 93.5 ± 32.3 mmHg to 26.1 ± 9.6 mmHg (p <  0.001). Echo-Doppler data showed that residual peak instantaneous gradient dropped from 26.1 ± 9. 6 to 19 ± 6 mmHg; (p <  0.001) on follow-up for 6 years. Mild to moderarte pulmonary valve regurgitation was noticed in 34 patients (27.8%) at one year and in 43 patients (38%) at mid term follow-up, but non had right ventricular dilatation or paradoxical interventricular septal motion. Conclusions: The results of mid-term follow up after balloon dilatation of the pulmonary valve are encouraging. The degree of pulmonary regurgitation is increasing with time. Longer term follow-up studies should be undertaken to evaluate the significance of residual pulmonary regurgitation.

[Repair of congenital heart disease in an adult with septal defects and pulmonary stenosis: anesthetic management]

A 66-year-old man with complex congenital heart defects (atrial septal defects, with incomplete cor triatriatum, an aneurysmal sac in the membranous septum, ventricular communication and pulmonary valve stenosis) was scheduled for surgery for progressive dyspnea even at rest. During anesthetic induction, effort was made to avoid increased shunting. Surgery consisted of resection of the cor triatriatum membrane, closure of communications with pericardial patches, pulmonary valve replacement, replacement of the root with a porcine root, and pulmonary artery aneurysmorrhaphy. Severely decreased contractility developed while the patient was still in the operating room; inotropic support with adrenaline and dobutamine was required. Extubation was completed in the postoperative recovery unit with no further complications. Echocardiography showed a left-ventricular ejection fraction of 45%. We found few published reports of cases of complex congenital heart disease treated surgically in adulthood. In such cases, cardiac pathophysiology must be carefully considered, and maneuvers that increase systemic resistance or right-ventricular ejection fraction should be avoided. Postoperative pulmonary vascular resistance should be kept as low as possible.

Canadian Cardiovascular Society 2009 Consensus Conference on the management of adults with congenital heart disease: outflow tract obstruction, coarctation of the aorta, tetralogy of Fallot, Ebstein anomaly and Marfan's syndrome

With advances in pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery, the population of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) has increased. In the current era, there are more adults with CHD than children. This population has many unique issues and needs. Since the 2001 Canadian Cardiovascular Society Consensus Conference report on the management of adults with CHD, there have been significant advances in the field of adult CHD. Therefore, new clinical guidelines have been written by Canadian adult CHD physicians in collaboration with an international panel of experts in the field. Part II of the guidelines includes recommendations for the care of patients with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and bicuspid aortic valve disease, coarctation of the aorta, right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, tetralogy of Fallot, Ebstein anomaly and Marfan's syndrome. Topics addressed include genetics, clinical outcomes, recommended diagnostic workup, surgical and interventional options, treatment of arrhythmias, assessment of pregnancy risk and follow-up requirements. The complete document consists of four manuscripts that are published online in the present issue of The Canadian Journal of Cardiology. The complete document and references can also be found at www.ccs.ca or www.cachnet.org.

Acute pulmonary reperfusion hemorrhage: a rare complication after oversized percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty for pulmonary valve stenosis

Balloon valvuloplasty became the treatment of choice for valvular pulmonary stenosis following its first description in 1982 by Kan et al, and has almost replaced surgical pulmonary valvotomy in the present day. It is a safe and effective method for children for relief of right ventricular obstruction. The results of the procedure are excellent, without significant complications. This report describes the case of a 12-year-old boy who received successful balloon valvuloplasty for critical pulmonary valve stenosis complicated by an episode of acute pulmonary hemorrhage. Because of cyanosis, hypotension and bradycardia, he received emergent endotracheal intubation with 100% oxygen supplement and the highest infusion rate of inotropic agents. Venoarterial mode extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was indicated for life support due to the persistent high oxygenation index. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation played a key role in the survival of this patient during the course of treatment.

Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty for congenital pulmonary valve stenosis in adults

BACKGROUND

Although pulmonary valvular stenosis is not uncommon in adults, there are few reports of percutaneous pulmonary valvuloplasty in adults, despite the possibility of avoiding heart surgery.

AIM

This report describes the experience in adult patients undergoing this procedure and evaluates its effectiveness and tolerance.

METHODS

Over an 8-year period (1989-1997), pulmonary valvuloplasty was considered in 22 adult patients [8 men, 14 women; mean age 28.0 years +/- standard deviation (SD) 10.3; range 16-46 years] with congenital pulmonary valve stenosis. Sixteen patients were asymptomatic with pulmonary systolic murmurs, although 6 patients presented with dyspnea. Before the procedure, the mean transpulmonary valve gradient was 53.2 +/- 24.8 mmHg SD, with a mean right ventricular systolic pressure of 74.6 +/- 28.4 mmHg SD, and mean pulmonary artery pressure was 21.4 +/- 6.4/10.2 +/-3.9 mmHg.

RESULTS

The procedure was successful in 19 patients (6 men, 13 women) and was well tolerated and free of complications. Following the procedure, the mean transvalvular gradient was 15.5 +/- 11.5 mmHg, with a mean right ventricular systolic pressure of 40.5 +/- 13.6 mmHg and a mean pulmonary systolic pressure of 24.3 +/- 7.4 mmHg. This represented mean fall in transpulmonary valve gradient of 42.4 +/- 22.0 mmHg (paired t-test, p < 0.0001). After a mean follow-up of 20.1 months (13.4 SD), most patients remained well and asymptomatic, although two patients required repeat valvuloplasty.

CONCLUSION

Pulmonary valvuloplasty is a well tolerated and effective treatment for pulmonary valve stenosis in adults, with few complications and no need for surgery. This procedure should be considered as the primary treatment of adult patients with pulmonary valve stenosis.

Long-term results (up to 17 years) of pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty in adults and its effects on concomitant severe infundibular stenosis and tricuspid regurgitation

BACKGROUND

Significant infundibular stenosis and significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) occasionally result from severe pulmonary valve stenosis in adults, and these 2 conditions have an adverse impact on morbidity and mortality in patients who undergo corrective surgery. The goal of this study was (1) to evaluate the long-term (up to 17 years) outcome of pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty (PBV) in adults and (2) to determine the effect of successful PBV on severe infundibular stenosis and severe TR.

METHODS

Pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty was performed in 90 consecutive patients (49 women, 41 men) of mean age 23 +/- 9 years (range 15-54 years) with congenital pulmonary valve stenosis. Clinical and echocardiographic assessment was performed 2 to 17 years (mean 10 +/- 3.9 years) after PBV. Repeat cardiac catheterization was performed 6 to 24 months after PBV in 43 patients who had concomitant moderate to severe infundibular stenosis (infundibular gradient > or = 30 mm Hg).

RESULTS

There were no immediate or late deaths. The mean catheter peak pulmonary gradient (gradient between pulmonary artery and right ventricular body) before and immediately after PBV was 105 +/- 39 and 34 +/- 26 (P < .0001), respectively. The corresponding values for right ventricular pressure were 125 +/- 38 and 59 +/- 21 mm Hg (P < .0001), respectively. The infundibular gradient (in 43 patients) immediately after PBV was 42.9 +/- 24.8 (30-113) mm Hg, and it regressed at second catheterization to 13.5 +/- 8.3 mm Hg (P < .0001), whereas cardiac index improved from 2.68 +/- 0.73 to 3.1 +/- 0.4 L min(-1) m(-2) (P < .05). Doppler pulmonary gradient before PBV and at 1-year and long-term follow-up were 91 +/- 33 (range 36-200), 28 +/- 12 (range 10-60) (P < .0001), and 26 +/- 11 (range 7-60) mm Hg (P = .2), respectively. New mild pulmonary regurgitation was noted in 24 patients (28%) after PBV. Significant TR in 7 patients either regressed or disappeared after PBV.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term results of PBV in adults are excellent. Severe infundibular stenosis and severe TR regressed after successful PBV. Therefore, PBV should be considered as the treatment of choice for adult patients with valvular pulmonary stenosis even in the presence of severe infundibular stenosis or severe TR.

Double balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty: Multi-track system versus conventional technique

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether double balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (DBPV) with the Multi-Track system (MTS) may help to simplify the procedure.

BACKGROUND

DBPV is usually required for patients with pulmonary valve stenosis with large annulus. However, it needs two venous accesses and can be technically demanding.

METHODS

From 07/03, 20 consecutive patients (19 +/- 10 yrs) with typical pulmonary valve stenosis underwent DBPV using the MTS (G1). The results were compared with those achieved by conventional DBPV performed in a matched historical group of 28 patients (21 +/- 11 yrs; P = NS) (G2).

RESULTS

MTS balloons were easily advanced through the skin and inflated across the valve. Similar results were observed in regards to residual gradients (12 +/- 11 vs 14 +/- 10 mm Hg; P = NS) and right ventricular to systemic pressures (0.35 +/- 0.22 vs 0.37 +/- 0.26; P = NS). Procedure and fluoroscopic times were significant lower in G1 (78 +/- 24 vs 126 +/- 28; 15 +/- 12 vs 25 +/- 8 min, respectively; both P < 0.001). There was no major complication. Median follow-up was 1.8 yr for G1 and 5 yr for G2 (P = 0.037). At the last visit, peak instantaneous gradient across the right ventricular outflow tract by echocardiography was a mean 22 +/- 10 mm Hg for G1 and 25 +/- 9 mm Hg for G2 (P = NS). No patient had severe pulmonary insufficiency or required reintervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the MTS helped to expedite the procedure providing satisfactory midterm clinical outcomes, similar to those observed with the conventional DBPV technique.

Long-term follow-up of patients after surgical treatment for isolated pulmonary valve stenosis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the long-term outcome of patients after surgical repair for pulmonary valve stenosis (PVS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-three patients (30 males; mean - SD age, 10+/-13 years; range, 5 days to 50 years) were identified who had surgical treatment for PVS between 1951 and 1982. The status of each patient was determined by medical record review.

RESULTS

The mean +/- SD age at follow-up was 43+/-15 years (age range, 19-77 years). Mean follow-up was 33 years (range, 18-51 years). At a median follow-up of 34 years, 35 reinterventions had been performed in 28 patients (53%), Including pulmonary valve replacement for free pulmonary regurgitation in 21 patients (mean interval after initial surgery, 33 years; range, 14-45 years), open valvotomy in 5 and pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty in 3 for residual PVS, closure of atrial septal defect in 2, right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in 1, closure of iatrogenic ventricular septal defect in 1, ligation of aortopulmonary fistula in 1, and tricuspid valve annuloplasty with simultaneous coronary artery bypass grafting in 1. In addition, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias were common, occurring in 20 patients (38%). Patients who underwent reintervention were more likely to have undergone closed pulmonary valvotomy as the initial repair (P=.008).

CONCLUSION

Although overall survival after surgical treatment of isolated PVS remains excellent, many patients undergo late reintervention after 30 years of follow-up, emphasizing the need for lifelong cardiac follow-up.

Pulmonary insufficiency: preparing the patient with ventricular dysfunction for surgery

Insufficiency of any of the four cardiac valves is a common cause of heart failure in children. Progression of ventricular dysfunction can be predictable, but requires thorough understanding of valvar disease. In valvar regurgitation, the heart has to cope with an increased volume of blood. The pathophysiological sequence is similar for both the right and the left heart. There is initially an increase in end-diastolic volume, followed by an increase in end-systolic volume, and at the end, a decrease in the shortening and ejection fractions. Different compensatory mechanisms and pathophysiologic adaptations develop to maintain the stroke volume for each type of valvar insufficiency, but heart failure eventually ensues. When symptoms of heart failure develop, irreversible ventricular dysfunction is often established, and outcome after surgery may ultimately be compromised. Discerning the optimal time for intervention, before irreversible ventricular dysfunction develops, is a key point in the management of regurgitant valvar heart disease.

Pulmonary regurgitation: not a benign lesion

Pulmonary regurgitation (PR) is a common complication after surgical or percutaneous relief of pulmonary stenosis and following repair of tetralogy of Fallot. Significant PR is usually well tolerated in childhood. However, in the long term, chronic PR has a detrimental effect on right ventricular (RV) function and exercise capacity and leads to an increased risk of arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Recent advances in non-invasive imaging and, in particular, wider availability of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), have improved the assessment of PR and RV function in these patients. This in turn has facilitated decision making on the optimal timing for elective pulmonary valve replacement (PVR), which should be performed before irreversible RV dysfunction ensues.

Comparative Long-Term results of surgery versus balloon valvuloplasty for pulmonary valve stenosis in infants and children

BACKGROUND

We compared the long-term results of surgical valvotomy (S) versus balloon valvuloplasty (BV) for pulmonary valve stenosis in infants and children.

METHODS

Results after surgical pulmonary valvotomy (with concomitant ASD/VSD closure) (n = 62, age 2.9 +/- 3.5 years) and balloon valvuloplasty (n = 108, age 3.6 +/- 3.9 years) were analyzed. Transvalvular mean pressure gradient decrease, freedom from reintervention for restenosis, pulmonary valve insufficiency, and tricuspid valve insufficiency were considered.

RESULTS

Mean pressure gradient decreased significantly more in the surgical group (from 64.8 +/- 30.8 mm Hg to 12.8 +/- 9.8 mm Hg at a mean follow-up of 9.8 years) than after BV (decreasing from 66.2 +/- 21.4 mm Hg to 21.5 +/- 15.9 mm Hg after a mean of 5.4 years; p < 0.001). Moderate pulmonary valve insufficiency occurred in 44% after surgery, and in 11% after BV (p < 0.001). Tricuspid valve insufficiency occurred in 2% after surgery, and in 5% after BV. Restenosis occurred in 3 surgical patients (5.6%), 2 patients required reoperation, and 1 patient required a balloon valvotomy. Restenosis developed in 13 BV patients (14.1%): 6 patients were redilated and 7 patients required surgery. Surgical valvotomy led to significantly less reinterventions than balloon valvuloplasty (p < 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical relief of pulmonary valve stenosis produces lower long-term gradients and results in longer freedom from reintervention. Balloon valvuloplasty may remain, despite these results, the preferred therapy for isolated pulmonary valve stenosis, because it is less invasive, less expensive, and requires a shorter hospital stay. Surgery should remain the exclusive form of therapy in the presence of concomitant intracardiac defects, which need to be addressed.

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.

Factors influencing late course of residual valvular and infundibular gradients following pulmonary valve balloon dilatation

BACKGROUND

Though acute and follow-up benefits of pulmonary valve balloon dilatation (PVBD) for pulmonic valve stenosis are well known, the late course of residual gradients at individual valvular and infundibular levels is not well described. Furthermore, the factors influencing this late course have not been studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We assessed the transpulmonary gradients by echo-Doppler in 96 patients (61 male, mean age 10.7 years) at a mean follow-up interval of 58.8+/-32.1 months (minimum 2 years) following PVBD. The patients were divided into three groups based on the residual gradients at valvular and infundibular levels immediately following PVBD as assessed by pull-back of an end-hole catheter across the right ventricular outflow tract: Group A with minor pressure gradients at both valvular and infundibular levels of less than 30 mmHg (n=60, 62.5%), Group B with predominantly infundibular gradients of more than 30 mmHg with a valvular gradient of less than 30 mmHg (n=27, 28.1%), and Group C with a residual valvular gradient of greater than 30 mmHg irrespective of the infundibular gradient (n=9, 9.4%). Demographic characteristics, hemodynamic parameters and procedural variables were correlated with the change in gradient at follow-up (late fall) and with long-term results.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up trans-pulmonary gradient was 20+/-14 mmHg which was significantly lower than that immediately post-PVBD (43+/-32 mmHg), P<0.001. The late fall (mean 24+/-29, range -55 to 110 mmHg) varied widely depending upon the acute result group: patients in Groups A and B showed significant late fall of 9+/-12 mmHg (P<0.05 for follow-up gradient compared to that following PVBD) and 58+/-31 mmHg (P<0.0001), respectively, while patients in Group C showed an insignificant late fall of 14+/-37 mmHg (P=0.21). In particular, each one of the patients in Group B showed decrease in trans-pulmonary gradients. On multivariate analysis, the extent of infundibular gradient emerged as the most important predictor of late fall (coefficient of determination 75%, P<0.0001). Patients who underwent PVBD at less than 2 years of age had a significantly greater late fall (41+/-33 mmHg) as compared to older patients (22+/-25 mmHg), P<0.05. A sub-optimal long-term result (transpulmonary gradient >25 mmHg, n=24) was significantly related to older age (P<0.001), dysplastic valve morphology (P=0.002), greater baseline trans-pulmonary gradients (P<0.001) and higher post-PVBD gradients (P=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term course of patients following PVBD depends upon the site and magnitude of the residual gradients. Even high residual infundibular gradients show marked reduction at follow-up, especially in infancy.

Long-term invasive and noninvasive results of percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty in children, adolescents, and adults

BACKGROUND

Short-term and mid-term results of percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) are well known. However, data documenting long-term effectiveness of BPV are scarce.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The long-term results of 62 patients were assessed by catheterization and Doppler echocardiography 1 to 10 years (mean 6.4 +/- 3.4) after BPV. Mean age of the patients was 13.5 +/- 10.5 years (range 9 months to 44 years). Twenty patients were 16 years of age or older. Right ventricular peak systolic pressure was systemic or suprasystemic in 72% of patients. A double-balloon technique was used in 29 patients. The balloon-to-pulmonary valve diameter ratio was 1.4 +/- 0.38 (range 1 to 1.8). Total systolic transpulmonary pressure gradient in excess of 50 mm Hg in all patients before BPV decreased from 98 +/- 40 to 32 +/- 23 immediately after BPV and to 19 +/- 9 mm Hg at follow-up (P <.001). Infundibular gradient increased from 8 +/- 10 to 14 +/- 24 mm Hg after BPV and fell to 1 +/- 4 mm Hg at follow-up (P <.01). In 16 patients it was >/=20 mm Hg and virtually disappeared spontaneously in all at follow-up. The valvar gradient fell from 93 +/- 39 to 19 +/- 11 (P <.001) and was 18 +/- 9 mm Hg at follow-up. It remained unchanged in 3 patients (range 36 to 45 mm Hg). In 3 (4.8%) other patients, a new gradient >35 mm Hg developed that was >/=50 mm Hg in all 3. Among 5 patients having dysplastic valves, 3 had a gradient >35 mm Hg. There were no predictors of a gradient >35 mm Hg at long-term follow-up by univariate or multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis. Mild to moderate pulmonary regurgitation was present in 39% of patients. On electrocardiography, right ventricular hypertrophy decreased significantly in 90% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

BPV as a treatment of typical pulmonic valve stenosis produces excellent long-term results. Restenosis is rare (4.8%) and occurs more frequently in patients with dysplastic valves. There is a constant spontaneous regression of associated infundibular obstruction.

Significant pulmonary valve incompetence following oversize balloon pulmonary valveplasty in small infants: A long-term follow-up study

Oversized dilatation balloons are recommended for relief of valvar pulmonic stenosis in infants and children during cardiac catheterization. Little information exists about the long-term outcome of this practice. Six of 107 consecutive patients undergoing balloon pulmonary valveplasty developed increasing pulmonary valve incompetence during follow-up periods of 0.5-10 years (mean, 7.2 years). Secondary right ventricular dilatation prompted insertion of a bioprosthetic pulmonary valve in one patient 6.8 years after intervention; valve replacement is pending in two additional patients, 4.3 and 10 years after intervention, respectively; and the three remaining subjects are thought likely to require valve replacement during childhood. The six reported subjects differ from the pulmonary valveplasty group as a whole in that they are younger (median age, 3 days vs. 11 months), had a higher degree of obstruction (right/left ventricular systolic pressure ratio prior to valveplasty 1.28 vs. 0.92), and underwent dilatation with relatively oversized balloons (balloon diameter to pulmonary valve annulus ratio 1.44 vs. 1.08). The balloon diameter to valve annulus ratio did not exceed 1.5 in any subject. Caution is advised in the use of oversized dilatation balloons in neonates or young infants with severe or critical pulmonic stenosis. Long-term consequences of substantial pulmonary valve incompetence outweigh, in our opinion, the limited gradient relief achieved with smaller balloons, sometimes requiring a second dilatation of the valve at an older age and larger size. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 48:61-65, 1999.

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.

Right internal jugular vein approach as an alternative in balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty

Transjugular balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty was safely and successfully performed in five patients, two of whom had severe right heart failure. Crossing the stenotic pulmonary valve from the right internal jugular vein was consistently easy and quick. This approach should be considered whenever difficulties are experienced or anticipated in the femoral approach.