Our extensive experience in Inoue PTMC has demonstrated that incremental operator experience and ongoing technical refinements in PTMC techniques have resulted in a nearly 100% technical success rate and a significant diminution in complications despite the presence of a significant number of technically demanding scenarios and high-risk co-morbid conditions. [1] With information gleaned from our experience with over 2,000 procedures, we discuss some of the pitfalls leading to complications, and offer tips to facilitate a safe and expeditious execution of Inoue PTMC. (Please note that this section acts as an update to a previous publication. [2]) Atrial septal puncture, a vital component of PTMC, is extensively covered under "Transseptal Access" and is beyond the scope of this section.

       To learn more about tips and pitfalls, please select one of the topics above.


References:
  1. Hung JS, Lau KW, Lo PH, et al. Complications of Inoue balloon mitral commissurotomy: Impact of operator experience and evolving technique. Am Heart J 1999;138:114-121.

  2. Hung JS, Lau KW. Pitfalls and tips in Inoue balloon mitral commissurotomy. Cathet Cardiovasc Diagn 1996;37:188-199.
 
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Questions or Comments? Email shung@pipeline.com.