PITFALLS AND TIPS IN INOUE BALLOON MITRAL COMMISSUROTOMY

Balloon mitral commissurotomy is a safe and effective alternative ther apeutic modality in selected patients with significant rheumatic mitra l stenosis. Since its introduction in 1984, Inoue balloon mitral commi ssurotomy has gained wider acceptance over other balloon valvuloplasty techniques because it is technically less demanding and associated wi th fewer complications. Nevertheless, certain pitfalls which may make the procedure more difficult or create complications are sometimes enc ountered. In this article, we offer tips to facilitate a safe and expe ditious execution of Inoue balloon mitral commissurotomy based on our experience with over 1,000 procedures. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.