The narrowing of any one of the heart valves is called as valve stenosis. Balloon valvotomy, also called as balloon valvuloplasty is a procedure that widens or opens the narrowed heart valves.
In this procedure, a very small, narrow, hollow tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin and positioned towards the aorta into the heart. Once the catheter reaches the stiff valve, a large balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated until the flaps (leaflets) of the valve are pushed open. Once the valve has been opened, the balloon is deflated and the catheter is removed.
Damaged or diseased heart valves may not work properly. Conditions that might cause problems with the heart valves are valvular stenosis (stiffened valve) and valvular regurgitation (leaky valve). When more than one heart valves become stiff, the heart muscle must work harder to pump the blood through the valve. Stiff valves may be caused by an infection such as rheumatic fever or staphylococcus infections, birth defects, and aging. If the valves become leaky, blood leaks backward and less blood is pumped in the proper direction.
Valvuloplasty may not be able to treat a stiff heart valve in all conditions. It might be recommended if you have severe stenosis and the shape of the mitral valve looks like it can be repaired with a valvotomy. It is an effective treatment for children, teens, and young adults. It might have limited effectiveness in older adults. Identifying the cause of the narrowing will help your physician to determine if a balloon valvotomy or a valve replacement is a better treatment plan for you. As Balloon valvotomy is not a good option if blood clots are present in the left atrium, a lot of calcium is deposited on the mitral valve, or moderate to severe mitral valve regurgitation.
A balloon valvotomy cannot cure the condition or make the valve normal. It helps the valve to function normally and to let the blood flow through the heart. The improved blood flow relieves symptoms. Blood pressure inside the left atrium decreases, which also helps to relieve the symptoms of lung congestion. DR. Rajeev Rathi having a good experience of performing balloon valvotomies, and he one of the Best Cardiologist in Saket. Make an appointment balloon valvotomy treatment in Delhi.