Valvuloplasty

Valvuloplasty – or balloon valvuloplasty – is a treatment for a narrowed heart valve. It involves stretching the heart valve so blood can flow normally into and out of the heart. 

Why valvuloplasty is performed

If one of your heart valves is diseased or damaged, it can shrink and become stiff – a condition called stenosis. When this happens, it restricts blood flow in and out of the heart. This can lead to poor oxygen supply to your tissues, enlarged heart chambers, or congestion in the lungs. Balloon valvuloplasty stretches the valve out to its usual size so blood can flow normally. Doctors most often use valvuloplasty to treat mitral valve stenosis or aortic valve stenosis.

What to expect

An interventional cardiologist performs valvuloplasty in a hospital. The procedure takes place in a cardiac catheterization lab – or cath lab. It generally requires an overnight stay. 
Your doctor will make a small incision in an artery, usually in the groin area. Then, the doctor will insert a flexible tube – or catheter – to route tiny instruments to the site of the valve. Inside the valve, the doctor will inflate a small balloon to stretch the valve tissue. You may feel mild burning or discomfort in the chest, which is normal. You will likely receive sedation to keep you comfortable. After the valve has been stretched out, the doctor will deflate the balloon and remove all the instruments along with the catheter.

As a minimally invasive procedure, valvuloplasty generally results in less pain and a quicker recovery than traditional open heart surgery. However, valvuloplasty does carry some risks, which you should discuss with your doctor. Specifically, you might experience excessive bleeding, heart attack, or heart rhythm problems.

Recovery after valvuloplasty

You will spend some time in a recovery area and then move to a hospital room. For several hours, you will need to lie motionless on your back while the incision in your groin seals.
Before you go home, you will receive instructions about activity restrictions, medications, and follow-up appointments. Be sure to promptly report any unusual symptoms, such as heart palpitations, swelling or bleeding at the incision site, or fever.

Valvuloplasty can help restore blood flow throughout your system. This will give you more energy and spare your heart from damage due to overwork.