Balloon Valvuloplasty: A Minimally Invasive Solution for Heart Valve Stenosis
At TX Hospitals, the best heart hospital in Hyderabad, we are committed to providing advanced cardiac care, including minimally invasive treatments like balloon valvuloplasty. This procedure is designed to treat heart valve stenosis—a condition where a heart valve becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow. By using a catheter with a balloon at its tip, we can widen the valve opening, improving blood flow and relieving strain on the heart. Balloon valvuloplasty offers a safer and quicker recovery alternative to traditional open-heart surgery, making it an ideal choice for many patients.
What is Balloon Valvuloplasty?
Balloon valvuloplasty is a procedure aimed at treating heart valve narrowing, most commonly affecting the aortic or mitral valves. The procedure involves inserting a catheter with a deflated balloon through a small incision in the groin or another blood vessel. During the procedure, a balloon is inserted into the narrowed valve through a catheter and inflated to enlarge the valve opening. This improves blood flow, alleviating symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain.
Indications of Balloon Valvuloplasty
Balloon valvuloplasty may be indicated for individuals with the following conditions:
- Aortic Valve Stenosis: This occurs when the aortic valve becomes narrowed, limiting blood flow between the left ventricle and the aorta. This procedure is an alternative for patients who are not eligible for aortic valve repair, replacement surgery, or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).It may also be used as a temporary measure before more invasive procedures.
- Mitral Valve Stenosis: In this condition, the mitral valve narrows, blocking blood flow between the left atrium and left ventricle. Balloon valvuloplasty is commonly the preferred treatment for this condition.
- Pulmonary Valve Stenosis: A congenital condition involving a narrowing of the pulmonary valve, which impacts blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs. This may require treatment in adulthood if symptoms persist or worsen.
- Tricuspid Valve Stenosis: A condition where the tricuspid valve becomes narrowed, affecting the blood flow between the right atrium and right ventricle.
- Additional indications include symptoms such as chest discomfort, trouble breathing, and swelling in the ankles, feet, or abdomen, rapid weight gain, palpitations, and dizziness, which may indicate severe heart valve narrowing requiring intervention.
Balloon Valvuloplasty Procedure
- Pre-Procedure Preparation: An IV line is inserted for medication and fluids. Local anaesthesia is applied to numb the insertion site, and you will be connected to monitoring equipment.
- Sheath Insertion: A small sheath is inserted into a blood vessel, typically in the groin, to access the heart.
- Catheter Placement: A catheter with a deflated balloon is advanced through the sheath to the narrowed heart valve using X-ray and echocardiographic guidance.
- Contrast Dye Injection: A contrast dye is injected through the catheter to visualize the valve and surrounding structures.
- Balloon Inflation: The balloon is inflated at the valve to widen the opening. The balloon might be expanded and contracted several times to make sure the valve is completely opened.
- Procedure Completion: Once the valve is expanded, the balloon and catheter are removed.
- The insertion site is secured using either stitches or manual pressure
What to Expect After Balloon Valvuloplasty
Recovery: After the procedure, you may need to stay in the hospital for one night. You will be asked to remain lying flat for several hours to minimize the risk of bleeding at the site where the catheter was inserted. Most people experience immediate symptom relief, such as reduced chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Post-Procedure Care: Ensure the insertion site remains clean and dry. You may experience a small bruise, which is normal. Avoid strenuous activities for a few days. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on caring for the insertion site and resuming normal activities.
Diet and Fluids: You can usually resume your normal diet right after the procedure. To help clear the contrast dye from your body, it’s important to drink plenty of water.
Activity: Refrain from soaking in a bathtub, hot tub, or swimming pool until the skin has fully healed. Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance on when to return to work and resume activities.
When to See a Doctor
Contact our expert heart specialists if you experience:
- Signs of infection: Fever, chills, increased pain, redness, or swelling at the insertion site.
- Circulatory issues: Numbness, tingling, or changes in the affected leg or arm.
- Cardiac symptoms: Chest pain, nausea, dizziness, or fainting.
- Fluid retention: Swelling in the arms, legs, or abdomen, or weight gain over 3 pounds in one day.
Why Choose TX Hospitals for Balloon Valvuloplasty?
At TX Hospitals, home to the best heart specialists in Hyderabad, our cardiac specialists have extensive experience performing balloon valvuloplasty and other advanced heart treatments. Our state-of-the-art facilities and compassionate care team ensure that you receive the best possible treatment in a comfortable and supportive environment.
If you or someone you care about is showing signs of heart valve disease, book a consultation with one of our experienced cardiologists today. We are here to assist you in exploring the best treatment options based on your individual needs.
FAQs
It is a minimally invasive procedure to treat heart valve stenosis by inflating a balloon catheter to widen the narrowed valve and improve blood flow.
Patients with conditions like aortic, mitral, pulmonary, or tricuspid valve stenosis who are unsuitable for surgical valve replacement or repair can benefit from this procedure.
Most patients recover quickly and can resume light activities within a few days, with full recovery depending on individual health and doctor’s advice.
Yes, it is considered safe, especially when performed by experienced cardiologists, though minimal risks like bleeding or arrhythmias exist.
At TX Hospitals, the best heart hospital in Hyderabad, we provide advanced care with experienced specialists, cutting-edge technology, and a patient-centric approach.
The procedure often provides significant symptom relief but may serve as a temporary solution, requiring further treatments like valve replacement in the future.