Abstract

Jovica Banovic*, Sasa Loncar, Jelena Banovic Fuentes and Maja Amidzic

ABSTRACT

Aim/objectives: Aortic balloon valvuloplasty (BAV) is a therapeutic option for some patients who are at high risk of transcatheter aortic replacement or surgical valve replacement and have severe aortic stenosis. In our research we examined survival and prognostic predictors in patients undergoing BAV with severe aortic stenosis. Methods: The study was conducted at the University Clinical Center of the Republic of Srpska. Patients diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis with high-risk for surgical replacement of the aortic valve, on which are preformed BAV procedure, after the decision made by the council of interventional cardiologists, were consider eligible candidate. Results: Patients (n=23) undergoing BAV procedure are elderly (mean age 80.9 years; minimum age 67 and maximum 92). There were 15 women (65.2%), and 8 men (34.8%). Total mortality after 1, 6 and 12 months was retrospectively 17%/27%/45%. The average survival was 14.1 months. The statistically significant predictors for one month survival were NYHA class and urgency of procedure. Hemodynamic parameters became better after the procedure, with statistically significant drop comparing to same parameters before procedure. Conclusion: Balloon aortic valvuloplasty is a relatively simple procedure, and the modern approach to it is as a rescue procedure and to give a window for patients to have better hemodynamic parameters and clinicians to prepare itself and patient for TAVR procedure.