Valvuloplasty
The heart has four valves that open and close to allow blood flow to the rest of the body. Valve stenosis occurs when a heart valve narrows and stiffens. As a result, the diseased valve cannot fully open and the heart must work harder to pump blood, which reduces blood flow to the rest of the body.
A valvuloplasty is a procedure to open a stiff, narrowed heart valve. The procedure improves blood flow through the valve and relieves symptoms of heart valve disease, such as shortness of breath or chest pain.
Who Gets Valvuloplasty?
Valvuloplasty is used to treat:
If left untreated, heart valve stenosis can lead to serious complications, including heart failure and irregular heartbeats. You doctor may recommend valvuloplasty if you have symptoms from severe valve narrowing or in other cases as well.
What to Expect
- Before
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At the hospital, a healthcare provider will start an IV (intravenous) line in your hand or arm through which you’ll be given medicine or IV fluids (if needed). Your provider will connect you to an electrocardiogram to keep track of and record the electrical activity of the heart. You'll be given a sedative in your IV before the procedure to help you relax. However, you'll likely remain awake during your procedure.
- During
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Valvuloplasty is performed during a procedure called cardiac catheterization in which the doctor places a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into a blood vessel, usually through your groin. The doctor carefully guides the catheter to the narrowed valve in the heart. Once in position, a balloon at the end of the catheter is inflated to expand the valve opening to improve blood flow. After the balloon is deflated, the catheter is removed.
- After
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You’ll be taken to the recovery room for observation or to your hospital room. You'll remain flat in bed for several hours following the procedure. Your care team will monitor your vital signs, the insertion site, and circulation and sensation in the affected leg or arm.
While at the hospital, you may be given medicine to relieve pain or discomfort at the insertion site or discomfort caused by having to lie flat and still for a prolonged period. You'll be encouraged to drink fluids to help flush the contrast dye from your body.
A balloon valvuloplasty generally requires a one overnight stay at the hospital. Depending on your condition and the particulars of your procedure, you may be told to be longer. Your care team will give you detailed instructions for your discharge and recovery.
- Follow Up
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Regular health checkups and imaging tests of the heart are needed following valvuloplasty to make sure the heart valve is working properly. Valvuloplasty can improve blood flow and reduce heart disease symptoms. However, if your valve narrows again in the future, you may need a second valvuloplasty or another heart valve treatment.
Why Choose UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute?
UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute serves Northeast Ohio communities and beyond with award-winning heart and vascular expertise. We are recognized as a best-in-class choice by patients and healthcare providers. Our heart and vascular specialists consistently earn high ratings on HCAHPS patient experience surveys and provider review sites like Healthgrades and RateMDs. In addition to clinical practice, our physicians are advancing the field of cardiovascular medicine and surgery by leading nationally funded clinical trials.
Make an Appointment
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