Intrauterine aortic valvuloplasty in fetuses with critical aortic stenosis: experience and results of 24 procedures.

OBJECTIVE: Valvuloplasty of the fetal aortic valve has the potential to prevent progression of critical aortic stenosis (AS) to hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). The aim of the study was to assess 24 aortic valvuloplasties regarding indications, success rate, procedure-related risks and outcome.

METHODS: Between January 2001 and December 2009 we performed 24 aortic valvuloplasties in 23 fetuses with critical AS at a median gestational age of 26 + 4 (range, 21 + 3 to 32 + 5) weeks by a transabdominal ultrasound-guided approach. Four fetuses had hydrops as a late sign of heart failure.

RESULTS: In 16/24 procedures (66.7%) corresponding to 16/23 fetuses (69.6%) the procedures were technically successful, with one intrauterine death in this group. After an initial learning curve, success rate improved to 78.6% (11 of the last 14 interventions were successful). In 10 out of the 15 (66.7%) successfully-treated and liveborn fetuses a biventricular circulation could be achieved postnatally. All four fetuses with hydrops had successful interventions, hydrops disappearing within 5 weeks. In 8/24 interventions (33.3%) the aortic valve could not be treated successfully, with intrauterine fetal death in two of these cases. In one fetus a repeat procedure was successful. All surviving fetuses with unsuccessful (n = 5) or no (n = 5) procedure performed developed HLHS until delivery.

CONCLUSIONS: Fetal aortic valvuloplasty could be performed successfully in selected fetuses with critical AS and evolving HLHS, with a biventricular outcome in two thirds of the patients. Safety and success rate were dependent on patient selection and the level of experience of the whole interventional team. In fetuses with AS and hydrops, aortic valvuloplasty could reverse end-stage heart failure and hydrops and ensure fetal survival.