All About Balloon Valvuloplasty

by Niraj Jayaswal Content Writer

Summary

The cases of heart valve diseases are either treated with medications or treatment. In some cases, both can be provided along with recommendations of lifestyle changes for best outcomes. For instance, the top heart doctors in Gurgaon may collaborate with dieticians from Delhi to manifest an effective rehabilitation program in addition to a suitable course of treatment. In this article, we will get to know about the process of Balloon Valvuloplasty which is being worked upon to reach success rates as high as those of robotic mitral valve replacement. The positive side is this, cardiac valvuloplasty in India has already gained recommendations for treating aortic valve stenosis. The standards of composite graft surgery such as the detailed engineering of coronary bypass graft marker are followed in the process of balloon valvuloplasty as well.

Article

Balloon Valvuloplasty is a minimal invasive surgery (MIS) which offers various advantages over the traditional types of cardiac surgery. The use of precise surgical instruments and the scientifically advanced technique of balloon valvuloplasty makes it a creditworthy surgical intervention. Balloon valvuloplasty is associated with less scarring, quick healing, and a short hospital stay. Let's see what type of diseases are dealt with balloon valvuloplasty, its procedure, and the risk of side-effects and complications.

Diseases Treated

The major use of balloon valvuloplasty is to treat aortic valve stenosis. Through the balloon valvuloplasty, the blocked (or narrowed) aortic valve is widened for smooth flow of blood through the heart. But the eligibility of balloon valvuloplasty for all cases of aortic valve stenosis is not guaranteed. Age is a decisive factor for evaluating the eligibility of a patient to undergo balloon valvuloplasty. If the patient is 60 or more than that, the procedure of balloon valvuloplasty is often substituted by aortic valve replacement. Whereas in the case of pregnant women, it is advised to undergo balloon valvuloplasty before delivering the child.

Procedure

· The surgery is initiated under the effect of anaesthesia (pre-anaesthetic assessment is crucial in this regard to minimise the allergic reactions to anaesthesia).

· A small incision is made in the upper leg through which a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel which will reach the heart.

· The catheter with a small balloon at its tip is guided to reach the heart.

· Once the heart is accessed by the catheter, the balloon is inflated, resulting in the widening of the aortic valve.

· After this, both the balloon and the catheter is removed.

Risks

· Allergic reaction to anaesthesia

The anaesthesia used for making the patient comfortable through the operation can cause an allergic reaction which may need additional treatment. In most of the cases, a pre-anaesthetic assessment is carried as part of the diagnostic tests to evaluate these risks beforehand.

· Bleeding

Unexplained bleeding during and/ or after balloon valvuloplasty can trigger blood loss. Doctors have to ensure that precautions are taken in advance to tackle any such possibility.

· Bruising

The area where the catheter is inserted, it could bruise. Over-the-counter gels can help in alleviating the symptoms.

· Damage to blood vessels and internal organs

The guidance of the catheter to the heart can cause damage to the blood vessels and internal organs. Thereby, making the expertise of surgeon a necessity for minimum risk of complications.

· Death

Even though death due to the complications caused by balloon valvuloplasty is rare but it is possible which makes following preventive measures a significant aspect of balloon valvuloplasty.

· Irritation at the insertion site

Superficial thrombophlebitis can develop at the insertion site. Doctors can recommend the use of warm compresses for quick healing.

· Pain

Pain killers are provided to the patient once the effect of anaesthesia fades. Doctors advise the patients to contact medical help if the condition worsens.

· Stroke

Stroke is a rare case from balloon valvuloplasty but it is life-threatening. Therefore, seeking professional help even after the surgery is complete is an absolute necessity.

· Swelling

The insertion site of the catheter can swell. In some cases, redness can come with swelling at the insertion site.

· Issue with urination

Some patients can experience trouble with urination. If one experiences any such side-effects, the right thing to do is to consult the concerned doctors.