TREATMENT OF ADULT PULMONARY STENOSIS WIT H PERCUTANEOUS BALLOON VALVULOPLASTY

The results of balloon valvuloplasty as treatment for pulmonary stenos is in 8 adults (6 male) whose ages ranged from 17 to 58 years are pres ented Three patients had been subjected to cardiac surgery 32, 40 and 10 years before. The procedure was performed through the right femoral vein using one or two balloons with a diameter of not less than 20 mm , without complications and excellent tolerance. The pulmonary gradien t and the right ventricular pressure were reduced in 7 patients from 8 1.4 +/- 26.9 to 26.6 +/- 11.3 and from 99.3 +/- 25.5 to 47.7 +/- 13.6 mm Hg respectively (p < 0,0005). During follow up, 6 of the patients h ave remained in functional capacity I and in two, Doppler ultrasound e xamination showed a further reduction in valvular gradient. These resu lts are in accordance with other reports and confirm that this techniq ue is the treatment of choice for adult pulmonary stenosis.