OBJECTIVETo observe the efficacy of hybrid balloon valvuloplasty for the treatment of low-body weight infants with severe congenital valvular aortic stenosis (AS).

METHODSFive infants with severe congenital valvular aortic stenosis underwent the hybrid balloon aortic valvuloplasty through median sternotomy in the hybrid operating room. The mean age was (40.2 ± 7.0) days, weight was (4.48 ± 0.75) kg. The patients were followed up by echocardiography for 9 - 13 months post procedure.

RESULTSOperation was successful in all 5 patients and they were discharged from hospital uneventfully. The gradient pressure decreased significantly from (98.8 ± 9.0) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) to (13.8 ± 3.3) mm Hg (P < 0.05) post operation. There was no moderate or severe aortic insufficiency. All patients were alive, the gradient pressures was (18.8 ± 2.5) mm Hg and there was no moderate or severe aortic insufficiency during follow-up [9 - 13 (11.0 ± 1.4) months].

CONCLUSIONThe hybrid balloon aortic valvuloplasty is an effective option for the low-body weight infants with severe congenital valvular aortic stenosis.