Balloon dilatation (valvoplasty) as first line treatment for severe stenosis of the aortic valve in early infancy: medium term results and determinants of survival.

Abstract

Balloon dilatation of the aortic valve is an acceptable first line treatment for neonates with severe symptomatic stenosis of the aortic valve. Outcome depends principally on left ventricular size and on the presence, severity, and timing of treatment of associated malformations. Severe endocardial fibroelastosis was not a risk factor for early death but may have implications for long term survival. The survival rate for this high risk group might be improved by a stratified approach where patients with adequate left ventricular size have balloon dilatation whereas those with severe ventricular hypoplasia are managed like patients with the hypoplastic left heart syndrome.