Long-term results after percutaneous balloon mitral commissurotomy

We are now able to analyze follow-lip delta up to 10 years after percutaneo us mitral commissurotomy (PMC). In clinical terms, several large single-cen ter series confirm the late efficacy of the procedure in a large population comprising a variety of patient subsets. When the immediate results are un satisfactory, prognosis is poor and surgery should be carried out when the clinical conditions allow it. Conversely, if PMC is initially successful, t he clinical results are excellent and late deterioration is mainly related to restenosis. Preliminary series have shown that repeat balloon commissuro tomy may be performed successfully in such patients. The prediction of late results after balloon commissurotomy is multifactorial and based on clinic al parameters, valve anatomy, and the immediate results of the procedure. R andomized studies have shown that the long-term results of balloon commissu rotomy are as good as those of surgery in patients with favorable character istics. in the others, there has been no comparative study and patient sele ction should take into account the multifactorial nature of the prediction of late results. Overall, these good long-term results have led to an incre ased use of balloon commissurotomy in the treatment of patients patients wi th mitral stenosis.