Percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty in high-risk elderly patients

Authors

Richard Park, Advocate Aurora Health
Donald H. Schmidt, Advocate Aurora Health
Yoseph Shalev, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow
Tanvir Bajwa, Aurora Cardiovascular Services, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Centers, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public HealthFollow

Recommended Citation

Park R, Schmidt DH, Shalev Y, et al. Percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty in high-risk elderly patients. Wis Med J. 1995 Oct;94(10):537-41.

Affiliations

Milwaukee Heart Institute of Sinai Samaritan Medical Center

Abstract

From 1987 to mid-1994 we performed 16 percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasties. All patients (mean age 80 years; 53% female, 47% male) had significant congestive heart failure from aortic valve stenosis; the majority were categorized as New York Heart Association Class IV (shortness of breath at rest). Twelve patients were not surgical candidates; four patients refused surgery. After valvuloplasty, all patients became asymptomatic (NYHA Class I & II), the average preprocedure valvular gradient of 59 mm Hg decreased to 31 mm Hg, and valve area increased from 0.8 cm2 (0.3 cm2-0.98 cm2) to 1.3 cm2 (0.6 cm2-1.44 cm2). The only complications were two minor groin hematomas (2 patients). Within 6 months, 50% of the patients were symptomatic again; the overall survival rate was 23 months. We conclude that in the proper environment this procedure can be effective and safe--even in high-risk elderly patients. Although symptom improvement is transient, valvuloplasty provides a valuable opportunity to treat intercurrent medical conditions and possibly follow up with surgery.

Document Type

Article

PubMed ID

8560906