oon is in place and has been inflated, you may notice some
dizziness or even brief chest discomfort. This should subside when the
balloon is deflated. However, if you notice any severe discomfort or pain,
such as chest pain, neck or jaw pain, back pain, arm pain, shortness of
breath, or breathing difficulty, tell your doctor.
- The balloon may be inflated and deflated several times in order open the valve.
- Once it has been determined that the valve is opened sufficiently, the
catheter will be removed. The catheter insertion site may be closed with
a closure device that uses collagen to seal the opening in the artery,
by the use of sutures, or by applying manual pressure over the area to
keep the blood vessel from bleeding. Your doctor will determine which
method is appropriate for your condition.
- If a closure device is used, a sterile dressing will be applied to the
site. If manual pressure is used, the doctor (or an assistant) will hold
pressure on the insertion site so that a clot will form. Once the bleeding
has stopped, a very tight bandage will be placed on the site. A small
sandbag or other type of weight may be placed on top of the bandage for
additional pressure on the site, especially if the site is in the groin.
- Your doctor may decide not to remove the sheath, or introducer, from the
insertion site for approximately 4 to 6 hours, in order to allow the effects
of blood-thinning medication given during the procedure to wear off. You
will need to lie flat during this time. If you become uncomfortable in
this position, your nurse may give you medication to make you more comfortable.
- You will be assisted to slide from the table onto a stretcher so that you
can be taken to the recovery area. NOTE: If the insertion was in the groin,
you will not be allowed to bend your leg for several hours. To help you
remember to keep your leg straight, the knee of the affected leg may be
covered with a sheet and the ends tucked under the mattress on both sides
of the bed to form a type of loose restraint.
What happens after a valvuloplasty?
In the hospital
After the procedure, you may be taken to the recovery room for observation
or returned to your hospital room. You will remain flat in bed for several
hours after the procedure. A nurse will monitor your vital signs, the
insertion site, and circulation and sensation in the affected leg or arm.
You should immediately inform your nurse if you feel any chest pain or
tightness, or any other pain, as well as any feelings of warmth, bleeding,
or pain at the insertion site in your leg or arm.
Bed rest may vary from 2 to 6 hours depending on your specific condition.
If your doctor placed a closure device, your bed rest may be of shorter duration.
In some cases, the sheath or introducer may be left in the insertion site.
If so, the period of bed rest will be prolonged until the sheath is removed.
After the sheath is removed, you may be given a light meal.
You may be given medication for pain or discomfort related to the insertion
site or having to lie flat and still for a prolonged period.
You will be encouraged to drink water and other fluids to help flush the
contrast dye from your body.
You may feel the urge to urinate frequently because of the effects of the
contrast dye and increased fluids. You will need to use a bedpan or urinal
while on bed rest so that your affected leg or arm will not be bent.
You may resume your usual diet after the procedure, unless your doctor
After the specified period of bed rest has been completed, you may get
out of bed. The nurse will assist you the first time you get up, and may
check your blood pressure while you are lying in bed, sitting, and standing.
You should move slowly when getting up from the bed to avoid any dizziness
from the long period of bed rest.
You will most likely spend the night in the hospital after your procedure.
Depending on your condition and the results of your procedure, your stay
may be longer. You will receive detailed instructions for your discharge
and recovery period.
Once at home, you should monitor the insertion s