The procedure undertaken to widen the narrowed heart valve by bringing a balloon catheter in use is known as balloon valvuloplasty. It is practiced in cases of aortic stenosis wherein the exit of the left ventricle of the heart, right where the aorta begins, gets narrowed. Aortic stenosis may result in acute chest pain, loss of consciousness, and heart failure as it tends to worsen overtime. Balloon valvuloplasty helps in improving the blood flow by widening the valve opening.

When is it Needed?

Since not all kinds of stiffening of the heart valves can be treated with a balloon valvuloplasty and not all people can be recommended to go for it, it is essential to learn as to when such a procedure can be needed.

• Adults and children with a narrowed heart valve are the ones who are given a balloon valvuloplasty with a goal to improve the function of the valves and allow efficient flow of blood through them.
• Our hearts have four valves – aortic, pulmonary, mitral and tricuspid. The systematic opening and closing of these valves regulate blood flow which is efficient for the proper functioning of the heart.
• Generally a balloon valvuloplasty is used for the treatment of the blockages of aortic, pulmonary and mitral valves.
• Stenosis of the valves can both be acquired or congenital. The younger people generally suffer from a valve blockage that is congenital while the older ones tend to most commonly have acquired as the cause.

What to Expect?

Procedure – A valvuloplasty procedure involves the insertion of a small balloon catheter into the blood vessel through the skin in the groin region and is advanced to the narrowed heart valve. Once the catheter has been successfully installed, it is inflated to remove the valve blockage.

Under the supervision of the best balloon valvuloplasty doctors in Jaipur Heart and Multispecialty Centre, the procedure may last four to five hours and includes the attachment of IV drips to the patient, monitoring of vital signs and delivery of local anesthesia to numb the pain of insertion of the catheter. Professional physicians take care that the patient is well relaxed for the procedure and may even provide oral sedatives depending on the patient’s condition.

Once the procedure is completed, the vital signs are again monitored and the patient is allowed bed rest the duration of which may be extended by the doctor depending upon the patient’s condition. The highly trained professionals at Jaipur Heart and Multispecialty Centre are known to provide the best and safest treatment and healthcare along with guiding their patients about how to take best care of themselves at home to ensure quick and easy recovery. The patient may also be advised to pay regular health visits to the doctors if the need arises.