Valvuloplasty

Valvuloplasty also known as balloon valvuloplasty or balloon valvotomy, is done to open a narrowed valve – valve stenosis.

It is normally recommended for opening up of the stenosed mitral valve but may also recommend valvuloplasty if you have a narrowed aortic valve (aortic valve stenosis). The procedure can treat aortic valve stenosis in infants and children. This procedure can also be performed to treat narrowed tricuspid or pulmonary valves.

Balloon valvuloplasty :

In a valvuloplasty, a doctor inserts a long, thin tube (catheter) with a balloon on the tip into an artery in your arm or groin and guides it to the narrowed valve in the heart using X-ray imaging. A doctor then inflates the balloon, which expands the opening of the valve and separates the leaflets. The balloon is then deflated, and the catheter and balloon are removed. You'll generally be awake during the procedure. After the procedure, you'll usually stay in the hospital overnight. This procedure may improve blood flow through your heart and lessen your symptoms. However, your valve may narrow again, and you may need to have valvuloplasty performed again in the future.