[Long-term results of transluminal valvuloplasty in calcified aortic valve stenosis].

Transluminal valvuloplasty (TVP) was attempted in 11 patients, aged 38-82 years, with calcified aortic valve stenosis (AS). The transvalvular systolic pressure gradient was reduced from a mean of 91 +/- 28 to 44 +/-30 mm Hg. Two patients had needed an emergency with decompensated AS in cardiogenic shock, died during the operation, another died of the consequences of an endocarditis. One patient had an inadequate TVP: a renewed TVP was subsequently performed at another hospital, followed by an operation for severe aortic regurgitation produced by the second TVP. In four patients left-heart catheterization 3-12 months post-dilation demonstrated considerable restenosis. One patient was significantly improved clinically (but no angiography had as yet been performed) four months after the TVP. Doppler echocardiography in this patient, too, demonstrated renewed increase in transvalvular pressure gradient. The results demonstrate that, because of the high rate of recurrence, TVP is at present only rarely indicated for calcified AS.