Valves that fail to open fully are called stenotic valves. When these valves begin to cause symptoms patients are generally referred for open heart surgery.
Sometimes, it is possible to open the valves without resorting to open heart surgery. A catheter with a collapsed balloon at the tip can be inserted into an artery or vein in the leg under a local anesthetic and conscious sedation. This catheter is then advanced into the heart and across the narrowed valve. The balloon is then expanded to open the valve. The patient is generally discharged by the following day.
The diseased valve must have certain characteristics in order for this procedure to be considered. This assessment is made by the cardiologist. Balloon valvuloplasty has been used most commonly and successfully on the mitral and pulmonic valves. It has also been used on aortic valves but the results have generally been disappointing.
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