Balloon valvuloplasty

Balloon valvuloplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat narrowed heart valves, primarily aortic and mitral valve stenosis. The technique involves using a balloon catheter to widen the valve opening, facilitating improved blood flow through the heart.

Two main types include:

• Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty: Treats mitral valve stenosis.
• Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty: Widens the aortic valve opening.

Symptoms of valve stenosis include chest pain, fainting, fatigue, breathlessness, and swelling of feet. Diagnosis is typically made through physical examination and imaging tests like echocardiogram.

It can be used for children, pregnant women, and as a temporary measure for severe cases. Indicated for congenital heart defects or as a palliative measure.

Risks include stroke, kidney failure, abnormal heart rhythms, bleeding, infection, and valve rupture. Discomfort during the procedure and allergies to medications should be considered.

Procedure cost varies but is generally lower compared to other countries. Costs are influenced by factors like diagnosis, patient's condition, surgeon's experience, and hospital facilities.

Top hospitals for balloon valvuloplasty include Artemis, Fortis, Medanta, and Apollo. Major cities like Delhi, Gurugram, Chennai, and Bangalore offer renowned cardiac care facilities.

The aortic valve, situated between the left ventricle and the aorta, can become narrowed due to factors like calcium buildup, congenital heart defects, or rheumatic fever. While mild cases may not show symptoms initially, serious cases can lead to shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, dizziness, heart palpitations, and heart murmurs.

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to widen the narrowed aortic valve. A catheter with a balloon at its tip is inserted through an artery in the thigh and guided to the aortic valve. The balloon is then inflated to stretch the stiff valve leaflets, improving blood flow. Although effective, there's a risk of the valve narrowing again in adults.

While aortic valve stenosis cannot be prevented entirely, maintaining good dental hygiene, managing high blood pressure and cholesterol, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce its risk. Benefits of balloon aortic valvuloplasty include shorter recovery time, delayed need for surgery, and comparable results to surgical replacement or repair.

Aortic valve replacement surgery involves making an incision through the sternum, opening the pericardium, and placing the patient on a heart-lung machine. The diseased valve is then replaced with a mechanical one. Post-surgery, symptoms like breathing difficulties, chest pain, and edema are alleviated, restoring normal heart function.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) assesses the risk of stroke and detects blood clots in the heart. Stress echocardiography evaluates heart function under stress, while an electrophysiology (EP) study diagnoses cardiac rhythm abnormalities and guides treatment decisions.