balloon valvotomy

balloon valvotomy

A transiently popular technique for managing aortic valve stenosis.
Outcomes
Mortality at 18 months is 60% (similar to untreated population); event-free survival at 2 years is 20%.
 
Pros
Provides symptomatic relief without surgery.
 
Cons
High (> 10%) rate of complications: stroke, aortic rupture, aortic regurgitation, vascular injury, death.