Repeat balloon aortic valvuloplasty

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Abstract
This paper attempts to determine limitations and indications of performing a second balloon aortic valvuloplasty procedure (BAV2) because of restenosis, which is the major limitation of this technique. From September 1985 to December 1989, 357 patients underwent a primary BAV (BAV1) and 67 patients had a BAV2. Forty‐two patients (group A) had repeat catheterization because they were markedly symptomatic 11 ± 7 months after BAV1. Twenty‐five patients (group B) came from a group of 73 patients who had been systematically scheduled for repeat catheterization in order to evaluate the hemodynamic restenosis rate 8 ± 3 months after BAV. At time of BAV2 most of the patients of group A were severely disabled. Comparison of pre‐BAV2 gradient and aortic valve area with pre‐BAV1 measurements showed in a slightly less severe degree of aortic stenosis in group A and in group B with any difference in cardiac index and ejection fraction. Immediately following BAV2, the gradient decreased from 72 ± 22 to 33 ± 15 mm Hg (P ± and aortic valve area increased from 0.56 ± 0.18 to 0.85 ± 0.28 cm 2) (p < 0.001) in group A. In group B, gradient decreased from 68 ± 15 to 33 ± 15 mm Hg (p < 0.001) and aortic valve area increased from 0.70 ± 0.16 to 0.90 ± 0.25 cm2 (p < 0.001). Comparison of the post‐BAV2 peak systolic gradient, aortic valve area, ejection fraction, and cardiac index with post‐BAV1 measurements revealed no significant differences in the two groups, but the absolute increase in aortic valve area obtained at BAV2 was significantly less than at BAV1 in group B (0.20 ± 0.22 vs 0.31 ± 0.16 cm2 p < 0.02). The larger balloon size used for BAV2 than for BAV1 did not increase the final valve area at BAV2. In‐hospital mortality was 3%. The use of a better profiled catheter with an arterial introducer explained the lower rate of vascular complications (4%). This report demonstrates that when BAV is indicated a second procedure can be performed safely and with low risk in symptomatic patients.