Balloon Valvuloplasty:- It is a minimally invasive procedure that helps restore blood flow through the valves and allows patients to avoid open-heart valve surgery. It is performed on children and adults who have a narrowed heart valve, a condition called stenosis. The goal of the procedure is to improve valve function and blood flow by enlarging the valve opening. It is sometimes used to avoid or delay open heart surgery and valve replacement.

In Lucknow, most heart surgeons use the terms Balloon Valvuloplasty. Dr. Kartik Bhosale experienced cardiologist in PCMC/Lucknow performs balloon valvuloplasty to treat people with narrowed heart valves conditions such as pulmonary stenosis, mitral stenosis, and aortic stenosis. So let’s understand first what is it and why this performed?

Why it is done?

Balloon 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). It is done on

• Children, teens, and young adults: Balloon valvuloplasty might be used in some children, teens, and young adults in their 20s who have aortic valve stenosis
• Pregnant women: Valvuloplasty may be used for pregnant women who get aortic valve stenosis symptoms during their pregnancy.
• Older adults: 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.

How the Test is Performed?

In this procedure, a long, thin tube (catheter) is inserted from your groin. Then a balloon is advanced to your heart and passed across the diseased narrowed valve. Now the balloon is inflated to open or stretch the valve. The balloon is then deflated and it is removed along with the catheter from your body. Balloon valvuloplasty relieves many symptoms of heart valve disease, but may not completely cure it.