balloon valvuloplasty
A minimally invasive procedure using balloon dilation to treat stenotic heart valves.
Full Definition
Balloon valvuloplasty is a percutaneous intervention that uses inflatable balloons to mechanically dilate narrowed heart valves, most commonly performed for mitral, aortic, or pulmonary stenosis. The procedure involves advancing a deflated balloon across the stenotic valve via cardiac catheterization, then inflating it to fracture calcified deposits or separate fused commissures. While less durable than surgical valve replacement, balloon valvuloplasty can provide symptom relief and improve hemodynamics, particularly in high-risk surgical candidates or as a bridge to definitive therapy.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from surgical valvuloplasty by including 'balloon' or 'percutaneous' modifier.
In Context
- "The patient underwent successful mitral balloon valvuloplasty with reduction in mean gradient from 15 to 6 mmHg." — Interventional cardiology report
- "Balloon valvuloplasty was chosen over surgical replacement due to the patient's prohibitive operative risk." — Heart team discussion note