Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty; mitral valve
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Percutaneous Balloon Valvuloplasty; Mitral Valve
Common name(s): Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty, Balloon Mitral Valvotomy
Summary
Mitral balloon valvuloplasty is a minimally invasive procedure where a balloon-tipped catheter is used to widen a narrowed mitral valve in the heart. This procedure helps improve blood flow and alleviate symptoms related to mitral valve stenosis.
Purpose
The procedure addresses mitral valve stenosis, a condition where the mitral valve becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow. The goal is to improve blood flow through the heart, relieve symptoms, and enhance the patient's quality of life.
Indications
- Symptoms of mitral valve stenosis such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and palpitations.
- Evidence of mitral stenosis on echocardiography.
- Patients who are not good candidates for surgical valve repair or replacement.
Preparation
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure.
- Adjustment of medications as directed by the healthcare provider.
- Pre-procedure diagnostic tests such as echocardiogram, chest X-ray, and blood tests.
Procedure Description
- The patient is given local anesthesia and mild sedation.
- A balloon-tipped catheter is inserted through a vein in the groin and guided to the heart.
- The catheter is positioned across the narrowed mitral valve.
- The balloon is carefully inflated to stretch the valve open.
- The balloon is then deflated and removed, restoring better blood flow through the valve.
Duration
The procedure typically takes between 1 to 2 hours.
Setting
The procedure is usually performed in a hospital's cardiac catheterization lab.
Personnel
- Interventional cardiologist
- Cardiovascular nurse
- Anesthesiologist or sedation nurse
- Radiologic technologist
Risks and Complications
- Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site
- Valve regurgitation (leakage)
- Blood clots or stroke
- Infection
- Rarely, the need for emergency surgery
Benefits
- Improved blood flow through the heart
- Alleviation of symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue
- Enhanced quality of life
- Avoidance of open-heart surgery in some cases
Recovery
- Monitoring in the hospital for 24 hours post-procedure.
- Instructions to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a few days.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor valve function and overall heart health.
Alternatives
- Medication management to control symptoms.
- Surgical mitral valve repair or replacement.
- Pros: Medications are non-invasive; surgery provides a more permanent fix.
- Cons: Medications may not address severe stenosis; surgery carries higher risks and a longer recovery.
Patient Experience
During the procedure, the patient may feel pressure or mild discomfort at the catheter insertion site. Post-procedure, there may be soreness, bruising, and mild pain managed with medication. Full recovery usually happens within a week, and symptom relief can occur shortly after the procedure.