A valvuloplasty is a medical procedure that aims to repair a heart valve that has a narrowed opening. The four heart valves — the aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves — enable the flow of blood in the heart. Stenosis, a narrowing of the heart valve, causes the valve flaps or leaflets to stiffen, thicken, or even fuse, reducing blood flow. Valvuloplasty can help improve the flow of blood through the heart valve and alleviate symptoms of heart valve disease, such as chest pain or shortness of breath.
Valvuloplasty, also called balloon valvuloplasty, balloon valvotomy, or percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty, is commonly done to repair a narrowed heart valve, particularly aortic valve stenosis, mitral valve stenosis, pulmonary valve stenosis, or tricuspid valve stenosis. Untreated valve stenosis can lead to complications like irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) and heart failure.
The decision to undergo valvuloplasty depends on your specific type and stage of heart valve disease, and you should consult with your healthcare provider. You may require valvuloplasty if you have severe valve narrowing causing symptoms. Even patients with heart valve disease who are not experiencing symptoms may require valvuloplasty. You and your healthcare provider will also need to weigh the risks and benefits of the procedure. For instance, the aortic valve tends to narrow again in adults who undergo valvuloplasty. Therefore, physicians usually reserve the procedure for those who are too ill for surgery or awaiting a valve replacement.
Valvuloplasty is typically conducted while the patient is awake in a hospital, following cardiac catheterization. The cardiologist inserts a thin, soft tube with a balloon at the tip into a blood vessel, often in the groin. The tube is then guided through the blood vessels into the narrowed valve of the heart. When the balloon is in the right position, it is inflated, widening the valve and promoting the flow of blood. The balloon is then deflated, and the catheter removed. After valvuloplasty, you ought to be in the hospital for at least an overnight stay. Regular monitoring and imaging tests of the heart are also needed to confirm that the heart valve is functioning as expected.
Valvuloplasty has the potential to enhance blood flow and alleviate symptoms of heart valve disease. However, be aware that the valve may narrow again. You may require additional valvuloplasty or other heart procedures, such as valve repair or replacement, in the future.
