Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
commissurotomy
Surgical division of fused valve leaflets to relieve stenosis, particularly in mitral or aortic valves.
Full Definition
Commissurotomy is a surgical technique that involves the precise division or splitting of fused commissures (the areas where valve leaflets meet) to relieve valvular stenosis. Most commonly performed on the mitral valve for mitral stenosis, this procedure can restore valve function by separating adherent leaflets that have become stuck together due to rheumatic disease or congenital abnormalities. The procedure can be performed as an open surgical technique or via balloon commissurotomy (a catheter-based approach). Success depends on the degree of calcification and structural integrity of the valve apparatus.
In Context
- "Open mitral commissurotomy was performed under direct vision." — Operative note
- "The commissurotomy resulted in significant improvement in valve area." — Post-operative assessment
Also known as
valve commissurotomy
commissural splitting
Don't confuse with
valvulotomy
annuloplasty