Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty
Balloon mitral valvuloplasty is recommended for some patients with mitral valve stenosis, which is a narrowing of the opening of the mitral valve that interferes with normal blood flow in the heart.
During this procedure, a catheter with a balloon attached is inserted through a needle stick in the groin and guided toward the heart. Once inside the mitral valve, the balloon is expanded and to open the stiffened leaflets of the valve. This lets more blood is flow through the valve.
Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty
For some patients with aortic stenosis, balloon aortic valvuloplasty is one option. A catheter with a balloon attached is usually introduced through a needle stick in the femoral vein in the leg. The catheter is guided to the aortic valve and the balloon is expanded to open the valve. This improves blood flow out of the heart and to the rest of the body.