Versatility of Inoue balloon catheter

Inoue rubber nylon single balloon catheter is being used worldwide for performing balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV). The popularity of Inoue balloon is attributed to its self-positioning configuration, size-adjustability, rapid inflation-deflation sequence and the ease of performance. We report its use in performing various non-mitral interventions. Its utility in treating patients with mitral stenosis and combined mitral and tricuspid stenosis is well established. Seventeen patients with valvular pulmonic stenosis (age 32±16 years; 11 males and 6 females) achieved significant reduction of peak systolic gradient (PSG) from 125±28 to 32±16 mmHg (P<0.005). Four patients with inferior vena-cava obstruction (age 20–48 years; 3 males and 1 female) derived symptomatic benefit following successful dilatation. Inoue balloon was used to create percutaneous pericardial window in four cases (age 43–68 years; 2 males and 2 females) of recurrent pericardial collection secondary to carcinoma lung/breast, thus alleviating the symptoms of tamponade. One patient each with coarctation of aorta (32 years, male), discrete subaortic membrane (16 years, female), and critical valvular aortic stenosis (13 years, male) derived immediate hemodynamic improvement with Inoue balloon dilatation. No major complications were encountered. We conclude that Inoue balloon can be used to successfully manage various stenotic lesions.