Pitfalls and tips in inoue balloon mitral commissurotomy.

Balloon mitral commissurotomy is a safe and effective alternative therapeutic modality in selected patients with significant rheumatic mitral stenosis. Since its introduction in 1984, Inoue balloon mitral commissurotomy has gained wider acceptance over other balloon valvuloplasty techniques because it is technically less demanding and associated with fewer complications. Nevertheless, certain pitfalls which may make the procedure more difficult or create complications are sometimes encountered. In this article, we offer tips to facilitate a safe and expeditious execution of Inoue balloon mitral commissurotomy based on our experience with over 1,000 procedures.