Closed mitral valvotomy in pregnancy and labor.

Objective: To study the feasibility and benefits of closed mitral valvotomy (CMV) during pregnancy.

Methods: Prospective study from 2000 through 2003 to study the effect on maternal condition and perinatal outcome of closed mitral valvotomy during pregnancy were evaluated. Methods: Eight pregnant women with severe mitral stenosis refractory to medical therapy had closed mitral valvotomy at different stages of pregnancy (one during labor).

Results: All patients improved clinically (according to the New York Heart Association classification), and the mitral valve area increased. There was no mortality or major morbidity.

Conclusions: Closed mitral valvotomy offers excellent results and is cost effective during pregnancy. It is still the procedure of choice in poor countries when balloon mitral valvotomy (BMV) is not affordable.