Role of balloon dilatation of the aortic valve in pregnant patients with severe aortic stenosis.

The outcome of unrelieved severe symptomatic aortic stenosis in pregnancy is poor. Though the valve lesion can be corrected surgically before delivery at a low risk to the mother, cardiopulmonary bypass during pregnancy carries a high risk to the fetus. Two patients in the second trimester of pregnancy were successfully managed with balloon dilatation of the aortic valve. Both delivered healthy infants and were well a year later. Balloon dilatation of the aortic valve is a useful palliative procedure in the management of pregnant women with severe aortic stenosis.