Balloon valvuloplasty for critical pulmonary valve stenosis in newborn: A single center ten-year experience

Critical pulmonary stenosis (CPS) represents an emergency in neonates. Percutanous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) is now the first therapeutic option. The study present our experience between April 2003 and June 2013. We analyzed 72 patients with CPS and they were followed up from 18 months to 9 years. BPV was accomplished in 68 neonates. Arterial oxygen saturation significantly elevated after the procedure. There were significant reductions in peak-to-peak pressure gradient across the pulmonary valve. 2 patients had hemopericardium. PGE1 was continued because the right ventricle showed a dynamic RV outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) in 7 patients. Two patients had PDA stent placement. Follow-up revealed a mean transpulmonary systolic gradient of < 35 mm Hg. 7 patients required a second balloon dilatation with good results. These findings suggest that BPV is relatively safe and effective in neonates with CPS.