Balloon aortic valvuloplasty in the transcatheter aortic valve implantation era: A single-center registry

• Published in: Revista portuguesa de cardiologia (English ed.) 2017-04, Vol.36 (4), p.251-256
• Main Authors: Francisco, Ana Rita G, Nobre Menezes, Miguel, Carrilho Ferreira, Pedro, Jorge, Cláudia, Silva, Doroteia, Infante de Oliveira, Eduardo, Pinto, Fausto J, Canas da Silva, Pedro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Balloon aortic valvuloplasty; Cardiovascular; Estenose aórtica grave; Implantação valvular aórtica percutânea; Severe aortic stenosis; Transcatheter aortic valve implantation; Valvuloplastia aórtica por balão
• ISSN: 2174-2049; 2174-2049
• DOI: 10.1016/j.repce.2016.09.010

Abstract Introduction Percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) has been limited by the risk of complications and restenosis. However, growing use of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has revived interest in this technique. We analyzed the current indications for BAV and outcomes in a single center. Methods Acute results and long-term outcomes were analyzed in a retrospective single-center registry of patients undergoing BAV between January 2013 and January 2016. Results Twenty-three patients underwent BAV, 56.5% male, mean age 78±7 years. Indications were severe aortic stenosis and decompensated heart failure (n=5), urgent non-cardiac surgery (n=8), or bridge to definitive treatment (n=10). Peak invasive gradient decreased from a median of 54.0±19.0 mmHg to 28.5±13.8 mmHg (p=0.002). Complications included one ischemic stroke, one lower limb ischemia and one femoral pseudoaneurysm requiring surgery. During a mean follow-up of 11±10 months, eight patients underwent TAVI and two underwent surgical aortic valve replacement. Thirteen patients died, nine of non-cardiovascular causes. On Kaplan-Meier analysis mortality was significantly lower among patients undergoing definitive treatment (20.0% vs. 84.6% at two-year follow-up; p=0.005). Conclusion BAV should be considered for selected patients with temporary contraindications to definitive therapy or as palliative therapy.