Balloon Valvuloplasty

What is Balloon Valvuloplasty Surgery?

Balloon valvuloplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat a narrowed heart valve, known as stenosis. During the procedure, a balloon-tipped catheter is inserted into the narrowed valve and inflated to widen it, improving blood flow and relieving symptoms.

benefits of balloon valvuloplasty;

• Improved Blood Flow: Balloon valvuloplasty is particularly effective for relieving the obstruction caused by narrowed heart valves. By widening the valve opening, blood flow improves, reducing strain on the heart and enhancing overall circulation.

• Non-Invasive: Balloon valvuloplasty is often performed using minimally invasive techniques, involving a catheter inserted through a blood vessel. This approach eliminates the need for open-heart surgery and its associated risks.

• Short Recovery Time: Compared to traditional open-heart surgery, recovery time is generally shorter after balloon valvuloplasty. Hospital stays are usually brief, and patients can return to their normal activities sooner.

• Avoidance of Long-Term Anticoagulation: For patients with certain valve conditions, avoiding valve replacement surgery can also mean avoiding long-term anticoagulation (blood-thinning) medication, which may be required after valve replacement.

• Potential Avoidance of Valve Replacement: In some cases, balloon valvuloplasty can delay or avoid the need for a valve replacement surgery, offering a less invasive alternative.

• Customized Treatment: The procedure can be tailored to the patient's specific valve condition, allowing for individualized treatment based on severity and other factors.

• Minimal Scarring: Since balloon valvuloplasty does not involve large incisions, scarring is minimal, and cosmetic concerns are less of an issue.

What are the top 5 HEART Treatment hospitals in India?

• Manipal Hospitals

• Max Hospital

• Apollo Hospital

• Artemis Hospital

• Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

Pre-procedure

• Evaluation: Before the procedure, the patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, such as echocardiography, to assess the severity of the valve stenosis.

• Fasting: The patient is usually asked to fast for several hours before the balloon valvuloplasty procedure.

• Informed Consent: The healthcare team explains the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives to the patient, and obtains informed consent.

Procedure

• Anesthesia: The patient is given local anesthesia to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted, or in some cases, mild sedation may be given to help the patient relax.

• Catheter Insertion: A thin, flexible tube (catheter) with a deflated balloon at the tip is inserted into the blood vessel and guided to the narrowed heart valve using X-ray guidance.

• Balloon Inflation: Once the catheter is in place, the balloon is inflated, which compresses the narrowed valve and widens it, improving blood flow through the valve.

• Balloon Deflation and Removal: After the valve is widened, the balloon is deflated and removed, and the catheter is taken out.

Post-procedure

• Recovery: After the procedure, the patient is taken to a recovery area to be closely monitored. Most patients can return home on the same day or the next day.

• Medications: The patient may be prescribed medications to prevent blood clots and manage any discomfort or other medical conditions.