Name of the Procedure:

Percutaneous Balloon Valvuloplasty; Pulmonary Valve
Common name: Balloon Pulmonary Valvuloplasty

Summary

Percutaneous Balloon Valvuloplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to widen a narrowed pulmonary valve, which is one of the heart valves. A balloon catheter is inserted and inflated to stretch the valve open and improve blood flow.

Purpose

Medical condition/problem: This procedure addresses pulmonary valve stenosis, a condition where the pulmonary valve is too narrow, restricting blood flow from the heart to the lungs.
Goals/Expected outcomes: The goal is to improve blood flow and reduce the workload on the heart, enhancing heart function and alleviating symptoms.

Indications

Specific symptoms/conditions:

• Symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting.
• Diagnosis of pulmonary valve stenosis based on clinical assessment and imaging.
  Patient criteria:
• Patients with significant pulmonary valve stenosis.
• Suitable candidates must not have significant valve regurgitation.

Preparation

Pre-procedure instructions:

• Fasting for at least 6-8 hours before the procedure.
• Adjust medications as directed by the healthcare provider, particularly blood thinners.
  Diagnostic tests:
• Echocardiogram, ECG, chest X-ray, and blood tests to evaluate heart function and overall health.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is typically sedated or under general anesthesia.
2. A catheter with a deflated balloon at its tip is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin, and guided to the pulmonary valve using imaging technology.
3. Once in position, the balloon is inflated, forcing the valve to open wider.
4. The balloon is then deflated and removed.
5. The catheter is withdrawn, and the insertion site is bandaged.

Tools/Equipment: Balloon catheter, imaging equipment (e.g., fluoroscopy), and monitoring devices.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 1-2 hours.

Setting

Performed in a cardiac catheterization lab within a hospital.

Personnel

Involves a cardiologist (specifically, an interventional cardiologist), nurses, and an anesthesiologist.

Risks and Complications

Common risks:

• Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site.
• Mild pain or discomfort.
  Rare risks:
• Blood vessel damage.
• Infection.
• Valve damage or regurgitation.
• Embolism (blood clot that travels). Management:
• Close monitoring and prompt treatment of any complications.

Benefits

Expected benefits:

• Improved blood flow from the heart to the lungs.
• Relief of symptoms such as breathlessness and fatigue. Realization timeframe:
• Benefits are often noticeable shortly after the procedure.

Recovery

Post-procedure care/instructions:

• Monitor vitals and puncture site.
• Rest and limited activity for a few days. Recovery time:
• Most patients can resume normal activities within a week.
• Follow-up appointments are necessary to assess valve function and overall recovery.

Alternatives

Other treatment options:

• Open-heart surgery for valve repair or replacement.
• Medication to manage symptoms. Pros and cons:
• Surgery may be more invasive with a longer recovery period but could be required for severe cases not suitable for balloon valvuloplasty.
• Medications may manage symptoms but do not address the underlying valve issue.

Patient Experience

During the procedure:

• Patients may feel some pressure at the insertion site but should not feel pain due to sedation or anesthesia. After the procedure:
• Mild discomfort or soreness at the catheter site is possible. Pain management and comfort measures:
• Pain relievers and care instructions to ensure comfort and aid recovery.