Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty

Overview and Facts about Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty is a form of cardiac surgery that can be used to treat aortic valve disease. It does so by widening the heart valve that has become narrowed due to aortic or mitral valve stenosis.

The procedure improves the functioning of the valve and the flow of blood through the valve.

Balloon valvuloplasty is only an option for some people who have aortic valve stenosis, such as:

• Children and young adults. This procedure may be used on children, teens and young adults in their early 20s who suffer from a congenital heart defect that has caused valve stenosis.
• Pregnant women. This procedure can be used to treat pregnant women who develop valve stenosis during pregnancy.
• Older adults. Balloon valvuloplasty may be used on older adults who are waiting for a valve replacement.

What to Expect during Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty

Prior to the procedure, you will be given an anesthetic so you will feel no discomfort. After sterilizing an area of your skin in your groin, the surgeon will make a small incision, then insert a thin catheter into a blood vessel in your groin and, using special live X-rays, will guide it to your heart.

The catheter is tipped with a small balloon, and when it reaches the narrowed heart valve, the surgeon will inflate and deflate the balloon several times to widen the valve opening. The surgeon will then remove the balloon and catheter and suture the incision.

You will stay in the hospital overnight so that your doctor can check for any problems following the procedure, such as bleeding from the catheter insertion site.

What are the Side Effects of Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty?

There are few reported side effects associated with balloon aortic valvuloplasty. There may be minor discomfort at the site of the insertion for a few days after surgery.

What are the Risks of Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty?

Complications related to this procedure include:

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Difficulty urinating after the procedure
• Irritation of the vein near the catheter
• Kidney failure
• Pain and swelling at the insertion site
• Rupture of the valve
• Stroke
• Valve leakage

In severe cases, this procedure can cause death; however, this is not common.