This study was undertaken to examine the feasibility of searching and findi
ng probe patency during mitral balloon valvuloplasty and whether the durati
on of procedure and/or the incidence and severity of iatrogenic atrial sept
al defect decreased in this patient population. Sixty consecutive patients
treated with mitral balloon valvuloplasty (MBV) were studied; data from 55
patients were analyzed.
Fifteen patients out of 55 (27.3%) had probe patency. The duration of the p
rocedure was shorter (26.2 +/- 7.0 vs. 35.6 +/- 10.1 min; p < 0.01), incide
nce of atrial septal defect was lower (40% vs. 72.5%, p < 0.01), and the se
verity of atrial septal defect as measured by the jet area was smaller (1.6
8 +/- 0.23 vs 2.6 +/- 1.3 cm(2); p < 0.01) in the probe patency group compa
red to patients without probe patency. At 6 month follow-up, all of the atr
ial septal defects present in the probe patency group disappeared, but 4 (1
0.2%) persisted in patients without probe patency.
It was concluded that searching probe patency during mitral balloon valvulo
plasty was feasible and worthwhile, would not unduly prolong the procedure,
and would decrease the incidence and severity of complicating atrial septa
l defect.