What is valvuloplasty?

Valvuloplasty is a minimally-invasive procedure performed to open a narrowed heart valve and improve the flow of blood through the heart. The heart consists of four valves. These heart valves control how blood moves through the heart. If one of the heart valves becomes stiff or narrowed, the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently. Valvuloplasty is also known as balloon valvuloplasty, balloon valvotomy, or percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty. In this article, we will discuss in detail valvuloplasty. When is valvuloplasty recommended? Valvuloplasty is a treatment option for opening a narrowed heart valve, known as stenosis. Valvuloplasty may be recommended to treat the following types of heart valve diseases: Mitral valve stenosis Pulmonary valve stenosis Tricuspid valve stenosis Aortic valve stenosis (less commonly) Heart valve disease may lead to certain symptoms that indicate the need for undergoing valvuloplasty. These symptoms include: Chest pain Breathing problems Dizziness Palpitations Swelling of the ankles, feet, or abdomen Raid gain in weight due to fluid retention How to prepare for a valvuloplasty? The doctor will provide you with detailed instructions to prepare for a valvuloplasty. You will be asked to fast after midnight, the day before the procedure. If you are taking blood-thinning medications, you may be asked to stop taking them for a few days before the procedure. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think that you could be pregnant, as there may be a risk of injury to the fetus during valvuloplasty. Also, radiation exposure during pregnancy could cause birth defects in the unborn child. Also, inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or lactating. Inform your doctor if are allergic or sensitive to medications, contrast dyes, latex, or iodine. If you have any kidney problems or other medical conditions, inform the doctor about the same. You will be instructed to not wear any metal, like jewelry or removable retainers on the day of the procedure. On reaching the hospital, you will be given a sedative medication to help you relax during the procedure. You will be awake during the procedure. How is valvuloplasty performed? Valvuloplasty is performed as follows: The cardiologist will insert a small, hollow tube, known as a sheath, through a blood vessel in the arm, shoulder, or groin region. A catheter will then be threaded with a deflated balloon through this sheath. The doctor will then inject a contrast dye and use x-rays to guide the catheter tube to the affected heart valve. The balloon at the top of the catheter is inflated to open the narrowed heart valve. The catheter will then be removed and the incision site will be closed using a special surgical glue or stitches. Sometimes, the cardiologist may choose to leave the sheath in place for up to six hours if there is an increased risk of bleeding or there is a need to wait for the blood-thinning medication to wear off. What will happen after a valvuloplasty? After a valvuloplasty procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room. If the catheter insertion was done through the groin region, you will need to wait for a couple of hours before you can bend your leg. You may lie in bed for approximately two to six hours. You will need to drink lots of water to flush the contrast dye out of the body. You may need to use a urinal or bedpan while you are on bed rest. You can normally get up and move many hours after a valvuloplasty. Most patients can go home the next day after the procedure. The recovery time following valvuloplasty will vary depending on several factors, like the age of the patient, the overall health of the patient, and the heart condition of the patient. You will need to avoid swimming and strenuous activities for approximately five to seven days after the procedure. Most patients can resume work after a week of undergoing valvuloplasty. However, patients having a job that requires more manual or physical labor may need to wait a little longer before resuming work. It could take up to eight weeks before a patient can resume his or her normal activities. How long will a valvuloplasty last? The results of valvuloplasty could last for several decades, but the procedure fails to cure valve stenosis. If the heart valve becomes narrow again, you may need treatment. Treatment options may include the use of medications, a second valvuloplasty procedure, or a heart valve replacement procedure. What are the benefits of valvuloplasty? Valvuloplasty has the following advantages: Restoration of blood flow within the heart Aids the heart in working more efficiently Postponed or avoids the replacement of the valve Minimally-invasive procedure Quicker recovery Less scarring Decreased pain Low risk of developing complications What are the risks of valvuloplasty? Bleeding at the site of catheter insertion Blood clot formation Blood vessel damage at the site of insertion Substantial loss of blood that may