Background-Aortic valvuloplasty (AoVP) is an established procedure regarded as a valid alternative for surgical management of congenital aortic valve stenosis. However, its long-term efficacy in preventing or postponing aortic valve surgery remains uncertain for the individual patient. Therefore, the aim of this study was to study the long-term results of AoVP in pediatric patients and its efficacy in preventing or postponing aortic valve surgery. Methods and Results-We reviewed up to 17.5 years of follow-up data of all 188 patients who received AoVP at the Deutsches Herzzentrum München. The patients were divided into those Ͻ1 month of age (group Ͻ1 month; nϭ68) and those Ն1 month of age (group Ն1 month; nϭ120) at the time of AoVP. After the first and second AoVP, moderate and severe aortic regurgitation developed in 29% and 14%, respectively, of the patients in group Ͻ1 month and in 19% and 29%, respectively, of the patients in group Ն1 month. Survival after 10 years free from aortic valve surgery was 59% (95% confidence interval, 45 to 73) in group Ͻ1 month and 70% (95% confidence interval, 59 to 81) in group Ն1 month.
Conclusions-This
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