Anterograde balloon valvuloplasty for the treatment of neonatal critical valvar aortic stenosis.

We report our experience with anterograde balloon valvuloplasty in 17 neonates treated between November 1996 and June 2001 for critical aortic stenosis. Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome were excluded. Anterograde balloon valvoplasty of the aortic valve was possible in all 17 patients. The mean peak systolic gradient prior to cardiac catheterization was 73 mm Hg (range, 30-117 mm Hg) and decreased to 37 mm Hg (range, 21-60 mm Hg) after the dilation. Aortic regurgitation after balloon valvoplasty was absent or mild in 14/17 patients, moderate in 2 patients, and severe in 1 patient. There was no mortality or echocardiographic evidence for aortic cusp perforation or mitral regurgitation associated with the procedure. Redilation was necessary in 3/17 patients. Two patients are awaiting elective Ross operation. One patient with endocardial fibroelastosis died at 11 months of age. Anterograde balloon valvoplasty can be safely and effectively performed to palliate neonates with critical aortic valve stenosis.