Assessment of balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty in six dogs

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe effectiveness of balloon valvuloplasty was assessed, clinically and haemodynamically, in six dogs with moderate to severe pulmonic stenosis. The haemodynamic assessment was based on Doppler echocardiography, with colour flow mapping, in the conscious dog and by direct catheterisation in the anaesthetised dog, before and after balloon valve dilatation. Four of the six dogs were presented with exercise intolerance, of which two were in congestive heart failure. Balloon valvuloplasty resulted in improved exercise tolerance and resolution of congestive heart failure in these dogs. The average Doppler and catheter transvalvular pressure gradients were reduced to 43 per cent and 46 per cent of the preoperative gradient, respectively. The average pressure gradient obtained by catheter, in the anaesthetised dog, was 59 per cent of the pressure gradient obtained by spectral Doppler echocardiography in the conscious dog. Balloon valvuloplasty was considered successful in five out of the six dogs. Postoperative pulmonic regurgitation was not found to be a complication of balloon valvuloplasty.