balloon valvuloplasty
A minimally invasive catheter-based procedure to widen narrowed heart valves using an inflatable balloon.
Full Definition
Balloon valvuloplasty is a percutaneous interventional procedure used to treat stenotic (narrowed) heart valves in pediatric patients. A deflated balloon catheter is advanced through blood vessels to the stenotic valve, then inflated to stretch and tear the fused valve commissures, improving valve opening. This technique is particularly effective for pulmonary valve stenosis and can be used for aortic valve stenosis in selected cases. The procedure offers advantages over surgical valvotomy including shorter recovery time, no need for cardiopulmonary bypass, and lower immediate morbidity. However, valve regurgitation and restenosis may occur over time, requiring ongoing surveillance.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'valvuloplasty' rather than 'valvotomy' when referring to balloon procedures; distinguish from surgical techniques.
In Context
- "Balloon valvuloplasty of the pulmonary valve reduced the gradient from 65 to 15 mmHg." — Interventional procedure report
- "The patient developed mild pulmonary regurgitation following balloon valvuloplasty but remained asymptomatic." — Follow-up echocardiogram report