My Approach to Echocardiographic Guidance During Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty

Abstract

Abstract Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a major global public health challenge because of its substantial morbidity and mortality, predominantly affecting the mitral valve. Although its prevalence is higher in developing countries, the disease continues to be diagnosed, albeit less frequently, in developed nations. Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) has become a highly effective therapeutic option for appropriately selected patients, with its technical and clinical success being strongly dependent on careful candidate selection. This article reviews the key aspects of PBMV, ranging from the echocardiographic criteria used for patient selection to intraprocedural monitoring using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).