What can we learn from classical operative techniques for valvular balloon dilatation

In light of the rapidly increasing use of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, valvular balloon dilatation has recently been recommended in paediatric and adult cases as an alternative to various classical operative techniques (1, 2). Interventional cardiology seems to avoid traumatic surgery, and valvular balloon dilatation might have a lower mortality and morbidity rate, and repeat dilatations are thought to be easier to perform. In Table 1, an attempt is made to compare these postulated benefits with those of “classic” cardiac surgical techniques which, in general, provide well established and documented results.