title: Vertical Approach Ñ A Modified Method in Balloon Crossing of Mitral Valve in Inoue Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty.
abstract: Recently, the shape of the J-tipped stylet used in Inoue balloon mitral valvuloplasty has been altered to form a tighter loop. Consequently, the distal balloon catheter tends to take a more vertical orientation when the stylet is inserted into the catheter during manipulation of the balloon catheter across the mitral valve. We describe a modified method Ñ a vertical approach Ñ to facilitate and expedite crossing of the mitral valve during Inoue balloon mitral valvuloplasty.
authors.affiliation: Section of Cardiology, China Medical College Hospital, No. 2 Yuh Der Road, Taichung, Taiwan. h1989jsh@ms16.hinet.net
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Hung
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Lau