Balloon valvuloplasty is a procedure to dilate a narrowed heart valve using a balloon catheter. It is an effective treatment method especially for mitral and pulmonary valve stenosis.
What is Balloon Valvuloplasty?#
Balloon valvuloplasty is the opening of a narrowed valve by inflating a balloon at the catheter tip. It is a minimally invasive alternative to open heart surgery.
Types of Balloon Valvuloplasty:
- Mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV)
- Pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty
- Aortic balloon valvuloplasty
- Tricuspid balloon valvuloplasty
Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty (PMBV)#
Indications#
- Symptomatic mitral stenosis
- Suitable valve anatomy
- No severe mitral regurgitation
- No left atrial thrombus
Wilkins Score#
Used to evaluate valve suitability:
| Parameter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobility | High | Moderate | Low | Very low |
| Thickening | Minimal | Moderate | Marked | Severe |
| Calcification | None | Mild | Moderate | Severe |
| Subvalvular | Normal | Mild | Moderate | Severe |
Total score ≤8: Good candidate
Procedure Technique#
- Femoral vein access
- Transseptal puncture
- Advancing balloon catheter to left atrium
- Crossing mitral valve
- Balloon inflation
- Result evaluation
Pulmonary Balloon Valvuloplasty#
Indications#
- Congenital pulmonary stenosis
- Gradient >40 mmHg
- Symptomatic patients
Technique#
- Femoral vein access
- Via right ventricle
- Balloon inflation at pulmonary valve
Aortic Balloon Valvuloplasty#
Indications#
- Bridge therapy before TAVI
- Hemodynamic instability
- Patients unsuitable for surgery
Limitations#
- Temporary effect
- High restenosis risk
- Palliative treatment
Pre-Balloon Valvuloplasty Preparation#
Evaluation#
- Transthoracic echocardiography
- Transesophageal echocardiography
- Left atrial thrombus screening
- Mitral regurgitation assessment
Patient Preparation#
- 6-8 hours fasting
- Anticoagulation adjustment
- Laboratory tests
- Anesthesia evaluation
How is Balloon Valvuloplasty Performed?#
Procedure Steps#
- Anesthesia: Local or general
- Vascular access: Femoral vein
- Transseptal puncture: Access to left atrium
- Balloon placement: At valve level
- Balloon inflation: Gradual
- Result check: Gradient measurement
- Hemostasis: Access site closure
Procedure Duration#
Total duration: 1-2 hours
Balloon Valvuloplasty Results#
Success Criteria#
- Valve area increase
- Gradient decrease
- Symptom improvement
- No serious complications
Complications#
- Severe mitral regurgitation
- Cardiac tamponade
- Embolism
- Vascular complications
Frequently Asked Questions#
Is balloon valvuloplasty painful?
How long is recovery after balloon valvuloplasty?
Is balloon valvuloplasty permanent?
What are the risks of balloon valvuloplasty?
Am I suitable for balloon valvuloplasty?
Appointment and Contact#
If you would like to schedule an appointment for balloon valvuloplasty:
📍 Avrasya Hospital - Beştelsiz Mah. 101. Sokak No:107, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul
📞 Phone: +90 212 665 50 50 (Ext: 4012)
This content has been prepared by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habib Çil for general informational purposes. Please consult a cardiology specialist for definitive diagnosis and treatment. Other structural heart treatments related to balloon valvuloplasty:
- TAVI - Transcatheter aortic valve implantation
- Aortic Valve Disease - About aortic valve diseases
- Mitral Valve - Mitral valve diseases
- MitraClip - Mitral valve repair
- Echocardiography - Valve assessment