Overview
Balloon valvuloplasty, also known as valvuloplasty, balloon dilation or balloon mitral valvuloplasty, is a non-surgical procedure to open blocked heart valves. It is similar in process to angioplasty, which is used to open blocked arteries. The procedure takes one to three hours, and usually requires an overnight hospital stay.
Detailed Description
Valvuloplasty is a treatment for heart valve disease, as well as congenital heart disorders such as pulmonary valve stenosis. It is less successful for treating aortic valve stenosis. In all of these conditions, the valve is blocked in some way and needs to be opened.
The procedure takes place in the cardiac catheterization lab, often at the same time as a cardiac catheterization. You will be awake for the procedure, but will be given a sedative. You will also be given anesthetic so you will not feel the catheter being inserted in the groin area. The catheter, with a small deflated balloon on it, is threaded to the heart. A contrast dye may be injected to enable the doctor to take x-rays of the heart to determine the exact location and severity of the blockage. To access the valve, the doctor will make a tiny hole between the upper chambers (atria) and thread the catheter towards the desired valve. When it is in position, the balloon will be inflated and deflated several times to open the valve.
Last updated: 31-May-04
