Catheter-Based Management of Mitral Stenosis

Mitral stenosis is a progressive valvular disorder most commonly caused by rheumatic heart disease, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. However, calcific degeneration in older adults also contributes to the disease burden. The narrowing of the mitral valve orifice leads to increased left atrial pressure, atrial enlargement, pulmonary venous congestion, and right-sided heart strain. Patients frequently present with dyspnea, exercise intolerance, atrial fibrillation, or thromboembolic complications. Diagnosis is established through echocardiography, which assesses valve morphology, severity of stenosis, transmitral gradients, and suitability for intervention. Percutaneous balloon mitral commissurotomy, also referred to as balloon mitral valvotomy, is the preferred minimally invasive treatment in appropriately selected patients, particularly those with pliable, non-calcified valves, minimal subvalvular involvement, and no significant mitral regurgitation or left atrial thrombus. When carefully applied, catheter-based management provides substantial symptomatic improvement, slows the progression of pulmonary hypertension, and reduces morbidity associated with untreated valvular disease. Clinicians participating in this course enhance their knowledge of the pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation, and interventional management of mitral stenosis. Learners strengthen their ability to identify appropriate candidates for catheter-based treatment, interpret echocardiographic findings, and apply evidence-based criteria in patient selection. The course emphasizes procedural techniques, periprocedural considerations, complication recognition, and long-term follow-up strategies. By integrating these principles into practice, clinicians improve accuracy in clinical decision-making, reduce delays in treatment, and ensure optimal utilization of catheter-based therapies. Collaboration among the interprofessional team including cardiologists, echocardiographers…

Credit & MOC Details

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