Balloon valvuloplasty of critical pulmonary valve stenosis in a premature neonate

Balloon dilatation of critical pulmonary valve stenosis in neonates with a weight of less than 2.5 kg is associated with specific problems, including temperature loss during the procedure, venous access, and problems related to the small size of the cardiac structures. We report our experience with balloon valvuloplasty in a premature newborn weighing 1.22 kg. Venous acces s was gained with a 4 French sheath, and balloon dilatation was performed w ith a 3.5 French 7-mm balloon catheter. Temperature loss of the baby was av oided by puncturing the femoral vein prior to the procedure on a neonatal o pen care system, wrapping the child in cotton, and covering the extremities with aluminium foil. The good result in our patient demonstrates that ball oon valvuloplasty is a therapeutic option for treatment of critical pulmona ry stenosis in premature infants.