Percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty in rheumatic mitral stenosis by isolated transarterial approach. A new and feasible technique.

A highly symptomatic 20-year-old woman with rheumatic mitral valvular stenosis was referred for cardiac catheterization. Following the procedure it was decided to perform a mitral valvuloplasty with a balloon catheter. An isolated transarterial approach through the right femoral artery was used. A Sones catheter was introduced into the left atrium and through it a long teflon-coated guide wire was placed into this cavity. The Sones catheter was removed and an 18 mm diameter balloon catheter was placed under the mitral valve and inflated several times for about 15 sec each. The pulmonary wedge and pulmonary artery pressures were significantly lower than the pre-valvuloplasty ones. The angiograms showed better mitral valve opening.