Rupture of Accura balloon during percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy

Abstract

Percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC) is one of the treatment modality in the management of rheumatic mitral stenosis. Reuse of sterilized PTMC balloon catheters has been widely practiced in developing countries to bring down procedural cost. PTMC by reused balloons  are prone to deform and rupture during procedure. This can cause fatal complications like embolism of air or balloon material. Herein, we report a case of Accura balloon rupture during PTMC without any fatal complication. Thus, during balloon preparation particularly of reused balloon, it should be examined for any deformity or tear and air should be removed completely to prevent the fatal outcome.