What is valvuloplasty?
Valvuloplasty may be done to open a stenotic (stiff) heart valve. In valvuloplasty,
a very small, narrow, hollow tube (known as a catheter) is advanced from
a blood vessel in the groin through the aorta into the heart. Once the
catheter is placed in the valve to be opened, a large balloon at the tip
of the catheter is inflated until the leaflets (flaps) of the valve are
opened. Once the valve has been opened, the balloon is deflated and the
catheter is removed.
To keep the blood flowing forward during its journey through the heart,
there are valves between each of the heart's pumping chambers:
Tricuspid valve. Located between the right atrium and the right ventricle
Pulmonary (or pulmonic) valve. Located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery
Mitral valve. Located between the left atrium and the left ventricle
Aortic valve. Located between the left ventricle and the aorta
Why might I need valvuloplasty?
Valvuloplasty may be done to open a heart valve that has become stiff.
Not all conditions in which a heart valve becomes stiff are treatable
If the heart valves become damaged or diseased, they may not function properly.
Conditions that may cause dysfunction of heart valves are valvular stenosis
(stiffened valve) and valvular regurgitation (leaky valve). When one (or
more) valve(s) becomes stenotic (stiff), the heart muscle must work harder
to pump the blood through the valve. Some reasons why heart valves become
stenotic include infection (such as rheumatic fever or staphylococcus
infections), congenital (present at birth) valve abnormalities, and aging.
If one or more valves become insufficient (leaky), blood leaks backwards,
this means that less blood is pumped in the proper direction.
Valvular heart disease may cause the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Edema (swelling) of the feet, ankles, or abdomen
- Rapid weight gain due to fluid retention
There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend a valvuloplasty.
What are the risks for valvuloplasty?
Possible risks associated with valvuloplasty include:
- Bleeding at the catheter insertion site
- Blood clot or damage to the blood vessel at the insertion site
- Significant blood loss that may require blood transfusion
- Infection at the catheter insertion site
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- New or worsening valve regurgitation (leakage)
- Rupture of the valve, requiring open-heart surgery
You may want to ask your doctor about the amount of radiation used during
the procedure and the risks related to your situation. It is a good idea
to keep a record of your radiation exposure, such as previous scans and
other types of X-rays, so that you can inform your doctor. Risks associated
with radiation exposure may be related to the cumulative number of X-ray
exams and/or treatments over a long period.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, tell your healthcare
provider due to risk of injury to the fetus from a valvuloplasty. Radiation
exposure during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. If you are lactating,
or breastfeeding, you should tell your health care provider.
There is a risk of allergic reaction to the dye. If you are allergic or
sensitive to medications, contrast dyes, iodine, or latex should, tell
your doctor. If you have kidney failure or other kidney problems, tell
Some people may find lying still on the procedure table for the length
of the procedure may cause some discomfort or pain.
There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition.
Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the procedure.
How do I get ready for a valvuloplasty?
- Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and ask if you have any questions.
- You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission to
do the test. Read the form carefully and ask questions if something is
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had a reaction to any contrast dye, or
if you are allergic to iodine.
- Tell your doctor if you are sensitive to or are allergic to any medications,
latex, tape, or 