BACKGROUND: Stent implantation is an emerging therapy for congenital pulmonary valve stenosis (PS) in dogs.
HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Describe two operators experience with balloon-expandable (BE) transpulmonary stents for PS at a single institution.
ANIMALS: 60 dogs with PS, including French bulldogs (N = 28), English bulldogs (7), pit bulls (6), other breeds (19).
METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records.
RESULTS: All dogs survived to discharge. The mean (+/-SD) age at time of intervention was 22.4 +/- 19.9 months (max, min = 3, 104) at a weight of 12.8 +/- 6.6 kg (4.2, 30.9). Anomalous coronary anatomy was present in 7 dogs. Nineteen dogs were in congestive heart failure at time of intervention. For 41 dogs, transpulmonary stent implantation was their first PS intervention, while 19 dogs had previously undergone balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty that was deemed ineffective. Seven different BE stent designs were implanted, with a 10mm diameter bare metal stent being the most common in 40 dogs; 3 cases received covered stents. Vascular access varied from 7Fr to 14Fr. Pre-mounted stents were selected in 48 cases; 12 cases used hand-crimped stents. Post-dilation was performed in 17 dogs. A balloon-in-balloon delivery catheter was used in 10. Echocardiographically-derived peak systolic pressure gradients were 133 +/- 44 mmHg (60, 248) prior to stenting and 53 +/- 28 mmHg (10, 180) the next day for an average reduction of 58% +/- 22% (0%, 90%).
CONCLUSIONS: Stent implantation is feasible for dogs with PS, effecting a clinically relevant reduction in pressure gradient at time of discharge.
