Balloon Valvuloplasty

Also known as: valvuloplasty.

What is balloon valvuloplasty?

Balloon valvuloplasty is a medical procedure that is used to try to correct a heart valve that is either stiff or narrow by using a balloon to widen the valve opening.

What happens during the test?

A catheter, or thin flexible tube, gets inserted into an artery at either the groin or arm. The catheter is then fed through the body to the heart. A balloon is inserted through the catheter until it reaches the end of the catheter in the heart. It is then expanded to open up the heart valve.

Is any special preparation needed?

You may need to stop taking certain medications before the procedure. Your doctor will explain other needed preparations.

What are the risk factors?

Risks of valvuloplasty include vein irritation, bleeding, bruising, pain and swelling or difficulty urinating after the procedure

Balloon valvuloplasty at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital: Nicklaus Children’s Hospital pediatric cardiologists are well trained in cutting edge procedures for balloon valvuloplasty.