THE CLINICAL EFFECTS OF PERCUTANEOUS BALLOON PULMONARY VALVULOPLASTY IN ADULTS

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effect percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (PBPV) in adults. Methods: PBPV for congenital pulmonary valve stenosis in adults was performed in 37 patients between 1988 and 1998, mean age was 27.1 years. Results: The systolic gradien(△p) from right ventricular to pulmonary artery was reduced from 81±26 mmHg to 36±17 mmHg immediately after PBPV(P0.01). 32 patients had a follow-up 1-9 years (mean 4.3±2.1 years), and the △P was reduced progressively to 25±7 mmHg. Conclusion: Thus balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of patients with pulmonary valve stenosis in adults, and the late results of this procedure are as good as early results.