How to do a mitral valvuloplasty

Since the first publication on Percutaneous Mitral Commissurotomy (PMC) in 1984 there has been a considerable evolution in the technique and a large number of patients have now been treated. PMC is an effective treatment in a wide range of patients with mitral stenosis. Its risk is low in a high volume center. It provides good mid term results. Age, previous surgery, anatomy and procedural factors are predictors of the immediate results. Anatomy, NYHA class, degree of cardiomegaly, and the quality of initial results are predictors of the mid-term results. Consequently the selection of the candidates is multifactorial mainly based on clinical and anatomic parameters. Finally PMC and surgery must not be considered as rivals but as complementary techniques in the treatment of mitral stenosis.