Elevated left atrial pressure does not cause left-to-right shunting after mitral balloon valvuloplasty.

To assess the hemodynamic factors affecting left-to-right shunting following balloon mitral valvuloplasty we studied 10 patients at 3 points during the procedure: pre-septal dilation, post-septal dilation pre-valvuloplasty, and post-valvuloplasty. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded and an oximetry run was obtained at each stage. Mitral valvuloplasty was successful in 8 and unsuccessful in 2 patients. No patient had a significant oxygen step-up at any stage, including the 2 patients with unsuccessful valvuloplasty. Significant left-to-right shunting through the atrial septal puncture in mitral valvuloplasty is infrequent, even before successful balloon valvuloplasty when left atrial pressure is maximally elevated.

Duke Scholars

Author Paul Wayne Armstrong Medicine, Cardiology