Valvuloplasty Surgery in Delhi, India

Symptoms of Valvuloplasty are as follows:

• Chest discomfort on effort
• Dizziness on effort·
• Breathlessness on effort
• Fatigue and feeling lethargic on effort

Valvuloplasty is done to increase the opening of the diseased heart valve which includes:

• Aortic valve stenosis
• Mitral valve stenosis
• Pulmonary valve stenosis
• Tricuspid valve stenosis

Valvuloplasty is generally advised by the doctor if there is severe stenosis in an individual producing certain symptoms.

• The doctor will make the patient understand the procedure and check for any queries.
• To sign a consent form that seeks the permission of the patient to do the test.
• Tell the doctor about any reaction to any contrast dye or if you are allergic to any particular medicine.
• Follow 4 hours of fasting strictly before undergoing the procedure.
• Mention to the doctor all medicines (prescription and over-the-counter drugs) and herbal supplements, if any.
• Tell the doctor about any bleeding disorders or intake of anticoagulant drugs, i.e., aspirin or other medicines that affect blood clotting.
• Inform the doctor about a pacemaker
• Removal of jewellery or any other item is supposed to interfere with the procedure.
• The bladder should be emptied before the start of the procedure.
• Removal of excess hair at the site of insertion of a catheter

Valvuloplasty is generally performed under local anaesthesia in a room called cardiac catheterization laboratory. The doctor inserts a catheter fitted with a balloon in a blood vessel near the groin region. The catheter is carefully placed on the stenosed valve in the heart and is inflated to open up the valve, thereby improving the blood flow.

The doctor may repeatedly inflate and deflate the balloon to open up the valve. Once the valve opening is achieved, the balloon is deflated, and the catheter with the balloon is removed. Local pressure is applied in the groin region to prevent bleeding, and the patient has to keep the leg immobile for 6 hours.

The aim of a Valvuloplasty is to improve the blood flow through the heart and reduce symptoms. However, there are chances that the valve may become narrow again, and for that, the patient may need to undergo another valvuloplasty or another heart procedure, like surgical valve repair or replacement, in the future.

Various risk factors associated with this procedure are as follows:

• Bleeding at the catheter insertion site
• Blood clot or injury to the blood vessel at the insertion site
• Significant blood loss, which requires blood transfusion
• Infection
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Kidney failure
• Stroke
• New or worsening valve regurgitation

• Avoid eating anything until the catheter gets removed from the groin
• Lie straight and avoid bending your knees for at least 6 hours as it may cause bleeding
• Report to the nursing staff immediately in case of fever or bleeding
• Regular and timely intake of medications prescribed by the doctor
• Once the procedure is successfully completed, all the symptoms of valve diseases subside considerably.

• Fever 100 degrees or higher
• Chest pain
• Breathlessness
• Unfamiliar swelling or unexpected gain of weight
• Bleeding, swelling, pain, or alteration in skin colour at the groin site.
• A return of previous symptoms

This procedure improves blood flow and should immediately decrease the symptoms of valve disease. Once the patient recovers from the procedure and consults the doctor about further follow-up appointments and care, they can go home.

Patients can resume most of their normal activities the day after the procedure. Consult the doctor regarding driving, returning to work and continuing an exercise program regime or yoga.

Reviewed by Dr. Ripen Gupta, Senior Director & Unit Head Cardiac Sciences, Cardiology, Cardiac Electrophysiology-Pacemaker on 13-Jan-2023.