Valvuloplasty

Valvuloplasty is a procedure used to treat several kinds of stenosis – mitral valve stenosis (particularly rheumatic), (congenital) pulmonary stenosis, aortic stenosis. With aortic stenosis, if the patient is not a candidate for TAVR or aortic valve surgery, valvuloplasty is an option.

Balloon valvuloplasty is performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. It is a non-surgical procedure that only lasts approximately one hour and can be performed with either conscious sedation or general anesthesia.

Local anesthesia is used at the insertion site in the groin area and a catheter is inserted through a small incision. The catheter is guided to the heart and positioned using echocardiographic imaging. A balloon is inflated in the mitral valve opening to expand the opening. The balloon is deflated, and the catheter is removed. Symptoms of valve disease should decrease immediately, and blood flow improves.

Balloon valvuloplasty helps the valve to work better and increase blood flow through the valve. Symptoms such as syncope (passing out), shortness of breath, or chest pain can be relieved with valvuloplasty.

Balloon valvuloplasty is a good choice for certain children, teens, and young adults to treat aortic valve stenosis if the stenosis is due to a congenital heart defect (such as a bicuspid aortic valve) and also pregnant women but not appropriate for older adults with stenosis. While valvuloplasty may be done to relieve severe symptoms, these patients typically require an aortic valve replacement procedure.