Vaitkus P T, Mancini D, Herrmann H C
Cardiovascular Division, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
J Heart Lung Transplant. 1993 Nov-Dec;12(6 Pt 1):1062-4.
Despite high rates of restenosis and recurrent symptoms, percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty may be a useful alternative therapy to surgery in certain patients with aortic stenosis. In this case report, we describe a potentially new indication for this procedure, namely to reduce symptoms and stabilize a patient before heart transplantation. Our patient with class IV heart failure benefited from valvuloplasty with fewer symptoms and was able to be discharged while awaiting transplantation, which was successfully performed 2 months later. Percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty should be considered as a palliative procedure in patients with severe aortic stenosis who are awaiting heart transplantation.
