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This procedure uses balloon angioplasty to dilate diseased heart valves in order to improve blood flow between the heart chambers. 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, and the balloon is expanded to open the valve. Valvuloplasty may be performed on either the mitral valve or the aortic valve.
Symptoms including shortness of breath or chest discomfort may lead your physician to investigate the possibility of performing valvuloplasty on you. Following the procedure, patients are generally discharged by the following day.
Further Information
For additional information on Lahey's valvuloplasty services, please contact the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at 781-744-8460.
