About Balloon Valvuloplasty
Balloon valvuloplasty is a catheter-based procedure that widens a stiff, narrowed heart valve. A special balloon is guided to the valve and inflated to separate the fused valve leaflets, improving blood flow through the heart.
It is most commonly used for rheumatic mitral stenosis and selected cases of pulmonary or aortic valve stenosis, and is performed in the Cath Lab by our interventional cardiologists.
Also known as: BMV, PTMC, balloon mitral valvotomy
Who is it recommended for?
Your doctor may recommend this if you have:
- Mitral stenosis (often due to rheumatic heart disease)
- Pulmonary valve stenosis
- Selected cases of aortic valve stenosis
- Breathlessness, palpitations or fatigue due to valve narrowing
How is it done at AKG Hospital?
- Echocardiography A detailed echo, often including a transoesophageal echo, confirms the valve is suitable and checks for clots.
- Catheter access Under local anaesthesia, a catheter is passed through a vein in the groin to the heart.
- Balloon inflation A balloon is positioned across the narrowed valve and inflated gently.
- Assessment Pressures and echo are checked to confirm improvement before completing the procedure.
How to prepare
- Fasting as instructed
- Blood thinner (anticoagulant) adjustment as advised
- Recent echocardiography reports
- Inform the team if you are pregnant or may be pregnant
Recovery & aftercare
Most patients stay 1–3 days. Breathlessness often improves quickly. Regular follow-up with echocardiography is needed, and patients with rheumatic heart disease may need long-term preventive antibiotics as advised.
Benefits
- Avoids open-heart surgery in suitable patients
- Fast symptom relief
- Short hospital stay
- Can be considered during pregnancy when necessary
Risks & when to seek help
Risks include leaking of the valve (regurgitation), bleeding, stroke and heart rhythm disturbances. Your cardiologist will discuss the benefits and risks for your specific valve.
Frequently asked questions
Who is suitable for balloon valvuloplasty?
Suitability depends on the valve's shape, calcium and leakage on echocardiography. Your cardiologist will advise after a detailed echo.
Will the valve narrow again?
Re-narrowing can occur over years, so regular follow-up with echocardiography is important.
This page gives general information to help you understand Balloon Valvuloplasty. It does not replace a consultation — your doctor will advise what is right for you.
