Quick facts
Treatment type
Minimally invasive, catheter-based
Treats
Mitral valve stenosis
Hospital stay
Short
Open-heart surgery
Not required
What is it
Balloon mitral valvotomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat mitral valve stenosis. A balloon-tipped catheter widens the narrowed mitral valve and improves blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle.
Why it is done
To relieve the narrowing of the mitral valve, improve blood flow and reduce the symptoms caused by mitral stenosis.
Who needs it
Patients with symptomatic mitral valve stenosis, particularly from rheumatic heart disease, who meet the anatomical and clinical criteria. Suitable patients usually have a valve that is not heavily calcified, minimal or no significant mitral regurgitation, no clot in the left atrium, and suitable valve anatomy and echocardiographic score.
Common symptoms are breathlessness, especially on exertion, fatigue, palpitations, cough and reduced exercise tolerance.
Types and options
Balloon mitral valvotomy - a balloon catheter opens the narrowed mitral valve.
Depending on the severity and the valve anatomy, other options may include medical management, surgical mitral valve repair, or mitral valve replacement.
Tests before treatment
Echocardiography
Assessment of mitral valve anatomy
Evaluation of the mitral valve narrowing
Assessment for mitral regurgitation
Evaluation for a clot in the left atrium
ECG
Overall cardiac assessment
How it is done
A balloon catheter is guided to the mitral valve and inflated to stretch the narrowed valve and separate the fused commissures.
Recovery
A short period of hospital monitoring, with observation of the catheter insertion site and monitoring of heart rhythm and valve function. Normal activities are resumed gradually, with follow-up echocardiography and cardiology appointments.
Benefits and outcomes
Relieves symptoms
Improves blood flow through the mitral valve
Improves exercise capacity
Minimally invasive
No open-heart surgery
Short hospital stay and a relatively quick recovery in suitable patients
Risks and complications
Bleeding or bruising at the catheter site
Damage to blood vessels
Mitral regurgitation
Abnormal heart rhythm
Blood clots or stroke
Cardiac perforation or tamponade
Infection
Recurrence of the mitral valve narrowing
Preparing to travel
Complete echocardiographic and cardiac evaluation
Assess valve anatomy and suitability
Check for blood clots where required
Review medications and medical history
Complete the pre-procedure tests
Follow instructions about fasting and medications
How it is done
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1
Access
A catheter is inserted through a vein in the groin and guided toward the heart and the mitral valve.
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2
Balloon positioning
The balloon catheter is positioned across the narrowed mitral valve.
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3
Balloon inflation
The balloon is inflated to stretch the narrowed valve and separate the fused valve commissures.
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4
Improved blood flow
The balloon is deflated and removed, leaving a wider valve opening that allows blood to flow more easily.
Where you can have this
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What it costs
What changes the price
Your condition
Valve anatomy
Hospital selected
Cardiologist and medical team
Catheter and balloon equipment
Diagnostic tests
Hospital stay
Any additional treatment required
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