Balloon Valvuloplasty
Balloon Valvuloplasty or Valvotomy is a minimally invasive cardiac procedure to repair stenosis (abnormal narrowing) of a heart valve. In this condition, the valve flaps (leaflets) may become thick or stiff and may fuse together (stenosis). This narrows the opening and reduces blood flow.
In Balloon Valvotomy, the Interventional Cardiologist inserts a catheter through an artery in the groin or arm up to the heart. When the tube reaches the narrowed valve, a balloon device located on the valve is quickly inflated. The narrowed or fused valve and its flaps are separated and stretched open through the pressure of the balloon.
This process widens the valve opening and helps in more blood flow.
The balloon is then deflated and the catheter and balloon are removed.
You will be awake but under effect of anesthesia during the procedure. After the procedure, you’ll usually stay in the hospital overnight before discharge.
Balloon valvuoplasty is used for the treatment of:
- Severe valve stenosis.
- Mitral Valve stenosis.
- Aortic Valve stenosis.
- Narrowed tricuspid or pulmonary valves.
How is a balloon valvuloplasty done?
Balloon Valvuloplasty is done under the influence of general anaesthesia. A long, thin tube (catheter) with a balloon at it end is inserted into an artery through arm or groin and is advanced to the narrowed valve in the heart with the help of X-ray imaging. The balloon is inflated which expands the opening of the valve and separates the valve flaps. The balloon is then deflated and the catheter and balloon are removed.
FAQs
What is mitral valvuloplasty?
Mitral Valvuloplasty is used for the treatment of mitral valve stenosis by opening mitral valve and restoring normal blood flow.
How long does a valve repair last?
After a valve repair, patients are generally free of intervention for about 10 years.
What is the success rate of heart valve surgery?
The success rate of heart valve surgery is about 93% with good specialists.