asty?
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 anesthetic agents (local and general).
- You will need to fast for a certain period prior to the procedure. Your
doctor will tell you how long to fast, usually overnight.
- If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, tell your doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you have any body piercings on your chest and/or abdomen.
- Tell your doctor of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
and herbal supplements that you are taking.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you
are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin, or
other medications that affect blood clotting. It may be necessary for
you to stop some of these medications prior to the procedure.
- Your doctor may request a blood test prior to the procedure to determine
how long it takes your blood to clot. Other blood tests may be done as well.
- Tell your doctor if you have a pacemaker.
- You may receive a sedative prior to the procedure to help you relax.
- Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific
What happens during a valvuloplasty?
A valvuloplasty may be performed as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures
may vary depending on your condition and your doctor's practices.
Generally, a valvuloplasty follows this process:
- You will be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that may interfere
with the procedure. You may wear your dentures or hearing aids if you
use either of these.
- You will be asked to remove clothing and will be given a gown to wear.
- You will be asked to empty your bladder prior to the procedure.
- An intravenous (IV) line will be started in your hand or arm prior to the
procedure for injection of medication and to administer IV fluids, if needed.
- You will lie on the procedure table.
- If there is excessive hair at the catheter insertion site (groin area),
the hair may be shaved off.
- You will be connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor that records
the electrical activity of the heart and monitors the heart during the
proc