Left ventricular perforation during percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty with emergency surgery

Two cases of left ventricular (LV) perforation by balloon catheter following successful balloon mitral valvuloplasty are presented. The first patient was dilated first with a single straight-tip balloon catheter and after with a double balloon catheter. The second patient underwent a valvuloplasty with a double balloon catheter only. The subsequent tamponade was treated by immediate aspiration but without hemodynamic improvement. Both patients required emergency surgery with surgical repair of the LV apex, and both of them could be weaned. Both patients are well 18 months after the procedure. We discuss the mechanism of this serious complication and technical considerations to prevent it.