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

1. The patient is given local anesthesia and mild sedation.
2. A balloon-tipped catheter is inserted through a vein in the groin and guided to the heart.
3. The catheter is positioned across the narrowed mitral valve.
4. The balloon is carefully inflated to stretch the valve open.
5. 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.