Retrograde Nontransseptal Balloon Mitral Valvuloplast Immediate Results and Long-term Follow-up

Background. Percutaneous retrograde nontransseptal balloon mitral valvuloplasty is a new technique developed in our institution for opening a stenotic mitral valve. This technique is based on a new, externally steerable cardiac catheter that enters the left atrium retrogradely via the left ventricle. Methods and Results. The technique was used in 86 consecutive patients (18 men and 68 women; mean age, 51±11 years). Dilatation of the stenotic mitral valve was achieved in 85 of the 86 patients. After the procedure, mitral valve area increased from 0.92+±0.22 to 2.1490.54 cm2 and transmitral gradient decreased from 16+6 to 5±2 mm Hg. Major complications, such as cardiac perforation, embolic events,