Q. Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty for aortic stenosis?
This is the procedure of choice in children and young individuals where the valve is not calcified. In elderly patients with calcified valves results are suboptimal. Peri procedural complications may be seen in upto 10 per cent of patients. Restenosis rates requiring repeat intervention are very high. In elderly patients this should be done only as a bridge to surgery as in the patients with cardiogenic shock or pulmonary edema. This may also be considered as an emergency procedure in patients who require non cardiac surgery or have serious comorbid conditions. Percutaneous aortic valve replacement is newer modality of treatment that has to be established.