Key result
High-volume fetal aortic valvuloplasty centers are linked to fewer periprocedural deaths despite similar technical success.
Why the study?
The relationship between fetal aortic valvuloplasty procedural volume and outcomes was examined to understand whether regionalization should be advised worldwide.
Does higher center volume improve technical success and reduce complications in fetal aortic valvuloplasty?
Comparison
Center procedural volume
Design
Registry-based retrospective cohort study
Follow-up
48 hours for fetal periprocedural death
Authors
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Center volume was not linked to better fetal aortic valvuloplasty success or safety; leaves open whether regionalization improves outcomes in this rare procedure.
Cohort (n=162)
Yes
Does higher center volume improve technical success and reduce complications in fetal aortic valvuloplasty?
Higher center volume for fetal aortic valvuloplasty is associated with fewer periprocedural fetal deaths, though technical success and complication rates are primarily driven by fetal weight, gestational age, and number of cardiac punctures.
Gijtenbeek et al. (2026) conducted a cohort in Fetal aortic stenosis requiring valvuloplasty (n=162). Higher center volume vs. Lower center volume was evaluated on Technical success (≥1 balloon inflation across the aortic valve, with increased antegrade flow and new aortic regurgitation). Higher center volume for fetal aortic valvuloplasty was not associated with better technical success (overall rate 80.2%) or fewer complications, but was associated with fewer periprocedural deaths.