Valvuloplasty

Valvuloplasty is a medical procedure used to repair a heart valve that has a narrowed opening. In a valvuloplasty, a doctor inserts a catheter into your body through a blood vessel and guides it to your heart. A balloon at the end of the catheter is inflated to help widen the valve and allow more blood to flow through it.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

Valvuloplasty is performed using a technique called cardiac catheterization. The procedure involves the insertion of a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) into a blood vessel, usually in the groin, and guiding it to the heart. A balloon at the end of the catheter is then inflated to widen the valve opening.

Types of Valvuloplasty[edit | edit source]

There are several types of valvuloplasty, including:

Risks[edit | edit source]

Like any medical procedure, valvuloplasty carries some risks. These may include:

Recovery[edit | edit source]

Recovery from a valvuloplasty procedure varies depending on the individual patient and the specific type of valvuloplasty performed. Most patients are able to return to normal activities within a few days to a week after the procedure.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Valvuloplasty Resources
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