Mitral valvotomy balloon

Mitral valvotomy balloon

Proximal end of the mitral valvotomy balloon displays the balloon size, 24 in this case. The size of the balloon required for an individual is calculated from the height of the person. Height in cm is divided by ten and ten is added to the quotient to get the size of the balloon needed in mm. 24 mm, 26 mm and 28 mm are the usual sizes being used. Each balloon can be used for a range of inflations and the size is adjusted by changing the volume of dilute contrast to be used for balloon inflation. The resultant size is checked before introduction of the balloon into the vascular system. Oversizing can increase the chance of mitral regurgitation. Undersizing may reduce the likelihood of good splitting of the fused commissures of the mitral valve. Balloon mitral valvotomy is also called percutaneous transmitral commissurotomy.