Comparison of Outcomes of Different Balloon Sets in Patients undergoing Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy – Bigger and Differ is Better!

Abstract

Background: Although the Inoue balloon technique is said to be more popular worldwide for PTMC in those who have severe MS, the Bonhoeffer multi-track (double balloon technique) system is used in our center. On the other hand, it is unknown which balloon set size will produce the best results. The current study's objective is to assess the efficacy of different balloon sets utilized in symptomatic patients with moderate to severe mitral stenosis (MS) following percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC).

Methodology: There were 203 consecutive patients. In 154 patients, a 14x14mm balloon set was used, and in the other 49 patients, a 14x16mm balloon set. PTMC was deemed successful when MVA 1.5 cm2 was attained with just minimal MR. Patients with valve areas less than 1.5 cm2 and more severe MR are regarded as failed.

Results: With a 14x16mm balloon set, post-procedure examination revealed noticeably better accomplishment in the valve area (2.960.84 cm2 versus 3.260.95 cm2; P=0.024). With a 14x16mm balloon set, a tendency towards a lower post-procedure mean pressure gradient across the mitral valve was seen (6.052.19 mmHg versus 5.472.24 mmHg; P=0.107). There was no discernible change in post-procedure MR, tamponade, or procedural failure. However, there was no significant statistical difference in the treatment efficacy between the groups (87.7% with a 14x16mm balloon set versus 77.9% with a 14x14mm balloon set; P=0.153).

Conclusion: A 14x16 mm balloon set might be a better and safer option, particularly for taller and older patients with larger annuli.