Comparison of three techniques for percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty of aortic stenosis in adults.

Three different techniques for percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty h have been described: retrograde single balloon, retrograde double balloon, and antegrade techniques. This report describes our experience using the three techniques in twenty-five consecutive procedures. All techniques resulted in a significant decrease in transvalvular pressure gradient and an increase in calculated aortic valve area, without significant difference among the three. There was no increase in the degree of aortic regurgitation after valvuloplasty by any of the techniques. Vascular complications occurred only with the retrograde double balloon technique. Cardiac tamponade during balloon inflation occurred with both the retrograde single and double balloon techniques. Three deaths occurred; two during the antegrade technique and one after the retrograde double balloon technique. Thus, balloon aortic valvuloplasty can be effectively performed using any of the three techniques. However, the differing techniques have inherent advantages in specific situations, as well as potential complications.