Balloon valvuloplasty widens a narrowed heart valve. A catheter with a balloon is guided to the valve, and the balloon is inflated to separate the stiff, fused leaflets. It is most commonly used for mitral stenosis, often caused by rheumatic fever, and for narrowed pulmonary valves in children.

Patients looking for a cardiac care hospital in Mumbai for valve narrowing at Apex are assessed with echocardiography, which shows the valve's shape and how tight it is. Transoesophageal echocardiography may be done first to confirm there is no clot in the heart. Suitability depends on the valve's flexibility, calcium and any leakage, so not every narrowed valve can be treated this way.

The procedure is done under local anaesthesia or light sedation, through a vein in the groin, and typically takes one to two hours. Patients are monitored overnight and often go home the next day. Follow-up echocardiograms check how well the valve opens. If the valve is unsuitable, valve repair or replacement surgery may be advised.

How the Procedure Can Help

It relieves breathlessness and fatigue by improving blood flow through the valve, and it can postpone or avoid surgery in suitable patients.

Risks and Considerations

Risks include leakage of the valve, a tear in the heart wall with fluid around the heart, stroke, bleeding, and, over time, a return of narrowing. Chest pain, breathlessness, fainting or fever afterwards needs urgent attention. Preventing rheumatic fever recurrence with regular medicines is an important part of care.