Transcarotid balloon valvuloplasty for critical aortic valve stenosis at the bedside via continuous transesophageal echocardiographic guidance

We describe the first two successful cases of transcarotid balloon aortic v alvuloplasty for critical aortic valve stenosis in the neonate utilizing co ntinuous transesophageal echocardiographic guidance performed at the bedsid e. This method obviates the need for transporting a sick and hemodynamicall y unstable neonate to the catheterization laboratory and additionally reduc es costs without compromising clinical care. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.