Valvuloplasty Procedures

A valvuloplasty repairs a narrowed heart valve, also called stenosis. It is sometimes referred to as a valvotomy or balloon valvuloplasty because it uses a balloon to open the narrow valve.

The heart has four valves that pump blood through the heart and to other parts of the body. Valvuloplasty may treat at least three of these valves: mitral, aortic or pulmonary.

Symptoms of Heart Valve Narrowing

When a valve narrows, it strains the heart and causes symptoms including:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Chest tightness or pain
• Lightheadedness
• Irregular heartbeat

If left untreated, stenosis can lead to heart failure.

Valve stenosis is a type of heart valve disease. It can be caused by a number of factors, like age, calcium buildup or a heart defect you were born with.

What Is Valvuloplasty?

A valvuloplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed by cardiologists (heart doctors) using a catheter (flexible tube). You will be awake but sedated during the procedure and won’t feel any pain.

Your doctor will make a small incision at your groin to carefully guide the catheter into a vein or artery, depending on the valve treated, and up to your heart. Using the catheter, your doctor will inflate a balloon inside the valve to open it up and improve blood flow. Then, they will remove the catheter and the balloon.

You’ll stay in the hospital overnight for observation. Many patients go home the next day. Your health care team will schedule a follow-up visit about one month after the procedure to see how you’re doing.

What Is BAV?

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) opens a narrowed aortic valve to relieve the symptoms of aortic valve stenosis. The aortic valve connects the left side of your heart with your aorta, a large artery that carries oxygenated blood to your body.

BAV is not considered a permanent fix but is rather used as a short-term stabilizing treatment. Patients who undergo BAV may need aortic valve replacement in the future.

Who Qualifies for BAV?

Not everyone qualifies for BAV. Your provider may recommend BAV if you:

• Have severe aortic stenosis
• Do not qualify for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacement due to comorbidities

Benefits of BAV

• Relieves symptoms of stenosis
• Improves heart function
• Safe and minimally invasive
• Short recovery time

What Is BMV?

Balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV) opens a narrowed mitral valve, which connects the left atrium to the left ventricle. Mitral valve stenosis occurs when the flaps of the valve become stiff and narrow. Blood cannot freely move through the valve, causing symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue.

Similar to BAV, BMV uses a catheter and a balloon to open up the valve. It is the treatment of choice for rheumatic mitral stenosis, which can lead to heart failure if not treated.

Who Qualifies for BMV?

Not everyone qualifies for BMV. Your provider may recommend it if you:

• Rheumatic mitral valve stenosis
• Congenital or acquired pulmonic valve stenosis
• Severe aortic stenosis, as a bridge to TAVR or surgical valve replacement

Benefits of BMV

• Positive short- and long-term outcomes after procedure
• Low risk of complications

Valvuloplasty in San Antonio

University Health Structural Heart and Valve Center is one of few centers in South Texas to offer this treatment, especially for rheumatic mitral valve stenosis and pulmonic valve stenosis.