Valvuloplasty is a treatment for mitral valve stenosis. It is a procedure that widens the mitral valve so that blood flows more easily through the heart. It's also called a balloon commissurotomy or valvotomy.
It's a minimally invasive procedure. You may get medicine that relaxes you or puts you in a light sleep. You won't feel pain when the catheter is put in the blood vessel. A doctor uses a thin flexible tube (catheter) that is inserted through an artery in the groin and threaded into the heart.
When the tube reaches the narrowed mitral valve, a balloon device located on the tip of the catheter is quickly inflated. The narrowed or fused mitral valve leaflets are separated and stretched open as the balloon presses against them. This process increases the size of the mitral valve opening. And it allows more blood to flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle.
Balloon valvuloplasty is generally an effective treatment for aortic valve stenosis in children, teens, and young adults. But it doesn't work as well for older adults. In most older adults, the valve becomes narrowed again (restenosis) within 6 to 12 months after this procedure.
Balloon valvuloplasty works better in younger people because of the difference in the causes of aortic valve stenosis in younger and older people. Young people typically have the condition because they were born with a bicuspid valve. This is an aortic valve that has two leaflets instead of three. But older people typically get stenosis over many years through a gradual hardening and buildup of calcium on their valves. This is a process called aortic sclerosis. It's similar to atherosclerosis, the buildup of hard plaque inside the arteries.
After the procedure in a young person, the aortic valve is wider, but it's still not normal. Over time, the valve can get narrow again, so another procedure or valve replacement might be done.
Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.
Risks during the procedure aren't common. But problems can include injury to the heart and stroke.
Problems caused by the catheter may include:
Complications that happen after a valvuloplasty include:
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
After you call 911, the operator may tell you to chew 1 adult-strength or 2 to 4 low-dose aspirin. Wait for an ambulance. Do not try to drive yourself.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
You had a procedure to open a narrow aortic valve in the heart. Your doctor did this by putting a thin tube called a catheter into your heart through a blood vessel in the groin.
Your groin may have a bruise and feel sore for a few days. You can do light activities around the house. But don't do anything strenuous until your doctor says it is okay. This may be for several days.
Valvuloplasty is done to help the valve work better and improve blood flow through the valve. It may be done to relieve symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or passing out (syncope).
Valvuloplasty is not an option for most people who have aortic valve stenosis.
Valvuloplasty might be used in some children, teens, and young adults in their 20s who have aortic valve stenosis. This group typically has aortic valve stenosis because of a congenital heart defect such as a bicuspid aortic valve.
Valvuloplasty may be used for pregnant women who get aortic valve stenosis symptoms during their pregnancy. After the baby is born, the aortic valve may be replaced.
Valvuloplasty is not appropriate for most older people who have stenosis. These people typically need an aortic valve replacement procedure. But valvuloplasty might be done to relieve severe symptoms if a person has to wait before having the valve replaced.
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