[Transfemoral valvuloplasty in calcified aortic valve stenosis].

In a 55 year old male patient and a 67 year old woman with calcified aortic valve stenosis, a valvuloplasty was performed via the femoral approach using a large-lumen balloon catheter. The 55 year old patient, who had undergone an aortocoronary bypass operation some years ago, displayed the symptoms of a cardiogenic shock. A surgical intervention would have entailed an additional risk. In the second case, there was a raised risk for the operation in view of a coronary two-vessel disease and with regard to the patient's age. By filling the balloon catheter placed in the aortic valve, the pressure gradient could be reduced from 100 mm Hg to 40 mm Hg, and in the second case from 95 mm Hg to 45 mm Hg. The slight aortic insufficiency which had been previously present in the two cases did not increase appreciably. The symptoms of cardiogenic shock disappeared, and there was a distinct clinical improvement. Valvuloplasty is evidently a possible method of treatment (even if it is palliative) in calcified aortic valve stenosis.