Valvuloplasty
What is Balloon Valvuloplasty?
Balloon valvuloplasty is a procedure in which a narrowed heart valve is
stretched open with a small balloon which is inserted and inflated to
stretch and open a narrowed (stenosed) heart valve.
Why is Valvuloplasty performed?
There are four valves in the heart- aortic valve, pulmonary valve,
mitral valve, and tricuspid valve. These valves are located at the exit
of each of the four chambers of the heart and these valves open and
close to regulate the blood flow from one chamber to the next and thus
are very important for the efficient functioning of the heart.
When these valves become narrow (stenosis) due to hardening and calcium
deposits, Valvuloplasty is performed to enlarge the narrowed opening and facilitate the flow of blood through them.
Who is an ideal candidate for Valvuloplasty?
Valvuloplasty is used for the patients who have mitral valve
stenosis or pulmonary valve stenosis and cannot undergo an open heart
surgery. It is also a procedure of choice in older or debilitated
patients with aortic stenosis who are considered high risk for the
major surgeries of heart. Valvuloplasty is also indicated in
children with congenital aortic stenosis, until the child is old enough
to have Heart Valve Replacement surgery.
How is Valvulopasty done?
The procedure is performed in a cardiac catheterization laboratory and
takes up to four hours. The patient is usually awake, but is given
local anesthesia to make the area where the catheter is inserted numb.
The site where the catheter will be inserted is prepared and
anesthetized. The catheter that has a small deflated balloon at the tip
is inserted through the skin in the groin area into a blood vessel, and
then is threaded up to the opening of the narrowed heart valve. The
balloon is inflated, which stretches the valve open. Once the valve is
widened, the balloon-tipped catheter is removed
How long is the recovery period and what is the aftercare?
After balloon Valvuloplasty,
the patient is sent to the recovery room, where he or she is monitored
for vital signs (such as pulse and breathing) and heart sounds. An ECG
is also done. The leg in which the catheter was inserted is temporarily
prevented from moving. The insertion site, is observed for bleeding
until the catheter is removed For at least 30 minutes after removal of
the catheter, direct pressure is applied to the site of insertion;
after this a pressure dressing will be applied. The patient can resume
normal activities following discharge from the hospital.
How safe is Valvuloplasty?
The procedure of Valvuloplasty has been considered to be fairly safe. Valvuloplasty
has a success rate of 80 - 90% with minimum chances of post-operative
complications and very low incidence of valve leakage. Although Valvuloplasty has been performed since the 1950's, refined techniques and materials have improved the outcome of this procedure.
What are the benefits of and risks associated with the procedure?
It is very risky to perform open heart surgery sometimes in ill, debilitated and aged patients . Valvuloplasty
is a suitable alternative in such patients. It is also used to bridge
the time gap between the valve replacement. Sometimes it also possible
to open the narrowed valve and leave it open for a long period of time
without resorting to Open Heart Surgery. The mortality rate following Valvuloplasty is extremely low.
Risks of Valvuloplasty
Leakage and regurgitation, Irregular heart beat, bleeding, clot
formation and embolism are the few risks associated with the surgery.
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