AimsThe results of percutaneous mitral valvotomy performed by the antegrade transseptal method using the Inoue balloon (n=1000; group 1) and by the retrograde non-transseptal technique using a polyethylene balloon (n=100; group 2) were compared in a retrospective, non-randomized study.
Methods and resultsBoth the groups were similar with respect to baseline characteristics. The success rate was 95% in group 1 and 93% in group 2. There was a significant increase in mitral valve area estimated by Gorlin's equation (Group 1: from 08 ± 05 to 21 ± 0-8 cm 2 ; Group 2: from 0-8 ±0-3 to 1-9 ±0-8 cm 2 , both P<0001) and by Doppler echocardiography using the pressure half-time method (Group 1: from 0-9 ±0-4 to 2-2 ±0-6 cm 2 ; Group 2: from 0-9 ±0-3 to 20 ±0-7 cm 2 , both P<0001). However, the calculated immediate post-valvotomy mitral valve area was larger with the Inoue technique (21 ± 0-8 vs 1-9 ± 0-8 cm 2 ; /><0-02). Results were considered optimal when the mitral valve area increased to > 1-5 cm 2 , the percentage increase was > 50, and mitral regurgitation was < 2/4. Out of the total successful procedures, optimal results were obtained in 95% patients in Group 1 and 94% in Group 2. Incidence of significant mitral regurgitation (> grade 3/4) was similar in two groups (Group 1: 4% vs Group 2: 5%, P=ns). A significant left to right atrial shunt (Qp/Qs> 1-5:1) in 2-5% and tamponade in 2% of cases occurred exclusively with the Inoue technique, while conduction disturbances, such as transient (<24 h) left bundle branch block (28%) and complete heart block (2%) were noted with the retrograde technique (Group 2). Local complications were significantly higher in Group 2 (3% vs 0-5%, / > <001). The procedure time with the Inoue technique was shorter than with the retrograde (Group 1: 15 ± 8, range 10 to 35 min; Group 2: 22 ± 14, range 15 to 45 min, P=005). Echocardiographic follow-up at 1 year showed no significant difference in mitral valve area between the two groups (Group 1 (n = 300): 1-8 ±0-8 vs Group 2 (n = 60): 1-9 ±0-9 cm 2 ; Conclusions Balloon mitral valvotomy using the Inoue balloon and the retrograde non-transseptal technique results in significant immediate haemodynamic and symptomatic improvement. The Inoue technique achieved a larger immediate post-valvotomy mitral valve area, but the difference was not apparent at 1 year follow-up. Incidence of significant mitral regurgitation was similar with both the techniques; however, local complications occurred more frequently with the retrograde technique. Both techniques may complement each other in technically difficult cases.