Catheter balloon valvuloplasty of aortic and mitral stenosis in adults: 1987.

CBV for adults with aortic and mitral stenosis is investigational at the present time and should usually be performed within the guidelines of clinical investigation. The technology is an evolving one with regard to types of catheters and balloons, methods of catheter insertion and placement, and patients and valves that are suitable for and will respond well to CBV. The initial results range from disappointing to excellent and must be kept in perspective. The procedure is clearly a palliative one; ideal results are not being achieved at present. Some of the complications are very serious. Nevertheless, CBV is a most promising catheter interventional technique for patients with valvular heart disease. Proper selection of patients and complete reporting of results is important.