Survival after fetal aortic balloon valvoplasty.

The pre- and postnatal course of a child surviving after successful intrauterine balloon aortic valvoplasty for critical aortic stenosis is described. She is now well at 4 years of age. A clearer understanding of the hemodynamics in such cases and improved catheter technology are necessary before this is advocated as a generally applicable technique. However, the outcome in this case is promising for the future of fetal interventional procedures.