[Percutaneous pulmonary valvuloplasty].

Five patients (aged between 11 and 59 years) with valvular pulmonary artery stenosis and pressure gradients between 60 and 143 mm Hg underwent percutaneous transluminal balloon valvuloplasty. Selection of the appropriate balloon size was based on the measurement of the dimension of the value anulus as a determinant from the angiogram. Balloon catheters were used with a diameter of 18 to 20 mm. After placement in the stenotic valve the balloon was filled with diluted contrast material for 10-20 s. The balloon indention by the stenotic valve disappeared suddenly during expansion with one to three atmospheres. The pressure gradient in individual patients decreased from 60 to 25, from 143 to 60, 100 to 55, 143 to 60, and 60 to 37 mm Hg, in the mean from 101 to 52 mm Hg. All patients were discharged two to four days after the procedure. During follow-up with recatheterization after three to nine months (four patients) the gradients decreased as compared to the value immediately after valvuloplasty. The exercise capacity increased in all patients. No complications were observed. Balloon valvuloplasty of pulmonary valvular stenosis seems to be an alternative to the operative procedure.