OBJECTIVE A new second-generation balloon dilatation device for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been launched, promising to challenge the traditional Amplatz serial dilators (ASDs). This device allows for the polyurethane sheath to be deployed on balloon inflation. Our primary objective in this pilot study was to determine whether the use of this new device impacted on overall patient o...

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography using a short double-balloon endoscope (DB-ERC) is a promising minimally-invasive method for accessing hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) anastomosis in patients with surgically altered anatomy. We aimed to evaluate the immediate and long-term outcomes of balloon dilatation for benign HJ anastomotic stricture (HJAS) in patients who had previously undergone...

BACKGROUND/AIMS Pneumatic dilatation of the oesophagus is a well established treatment for achalasia. Oesophageal perforation is the most serious complication that occurs in 2% to 6% of cases. The aim of this retrospective survey was to identify predictive risk factors for perforation in a consecutive series of 218 patients with achalasia. METHODS Between 1983 and 1993, 270 pneumatic dilatati...

In this study, an easy to use measurement method was developed to quantify the balloon dilatation catheters visibility, thus making them comparable. The visibility of the distal and proximal markers and the balloon (average values of the markers) was determined for fourteen balloons of the same type and material, but different lengths and diameters. Repeatability of these values was tested by o...

AIMS To analyze the results of balloon dilatation for short segment male urethral strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective analysis was done of 120 patients undergoing urethral balloon dilatation since January 2004 to January 2012. The inclusion criteria for analysis was a short segment (less than 1.5 cm) stricture, exclusion criteria were pediatric, long (more than 1.5 cm), traumatic,...

OBJECTIVE To assess the outcome of percutaneous balloon dilatation of the mitral valve in critically ill young patients with intractable heart failure. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of all such patients presenting over a period of 4 years. PATIENTS Of 432 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous balloon dilatation of the mitral valve, 12 (mean age 29 years) with intractable heart failur...

OBJECTIVE To assess the immediate haemodynamic improvement and long term symptomatic benefit of percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy in patients aged over 70 years. DESIGN Pre- and postprocedure haemodynamic data and follow up for 1 to 10 years by clinic visit or telephone contact. SETTING Tertiary referral centre in Scotland. SUBJECTS 80 patients age 70 and over who had mitral balloon d...

The diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness of combined double-balloon endoscopy with a short endoscope and peroral direct cholangioscopy with an ultraslim endoscope in patients who have altered gastrointestinal anatomy has been demonstrated [1–5]. We describe successful biliary drainage with a short double-balloon endoscope and peroral direct cholangioscopy in a patient who had cholangitis af...

OBJECTIVE To compare the clinical characteristics, haemodynamic findings, and symptomatic outcome in four age groups of patients in the UK undergoing percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy. DESIGN A review of patients with mitral stenosis treated by balloon dilatation. SETTING Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, a cardiac referral centre. RESULTS Of 405 patients who had mitral balloon val...