Abstract

The outcome of unrelieved severe symptomatic aortic stenosis in pregnancy is poor. Though the valve lesion can be corrected surgically before delivery at a low risk to the mother, cardiopulmonary bypass during pregnancy carries a high risk to the fetus. Two patients in the second trimester of pregnancy were successfully managed with balloon dilatation of the aortic valve. Both delivered healthy infants and were well a year later. Balloon dilatation of the aortic valve is a useful palliative procedure in the management of pregnant women with severe aortic stenosis.