Which of the following is an advantage of percutaneous transluminal balloon valvuloplasty over valve replacement in treating mitral stenosis?

Rationale: A. Percutaneous transluminal balloon valvuloplasty (PTBV) is a minimally invasive procedure that dilates the stenotic mitral valve without replacing it. Since no prosthetic valve is implanted, clients typically do not require lifelong anticoagulation, which is a major advantage over mechanical valve replacement. B. While PTBV is less invasive than open surgery, it usually requires moderate sedation or general anesthesia for patient comfort and safety. Local anesthesia alone is rarely sufficient. C. PTBV improves valve opening temporarily, but valve restenosis can occur over time, so the correction is not necessarily permanent. Valve replacement provides a more long-term solution. D. While PTBV avoids prosthetic material and thus may reduce some infection risks, infection is generally not the primary concern with valve replacement, and the overall difference in infection risk is not a primary advantage cited for PTBV.