Pulmonary valve stenosis
Pulmonary valve valvuloplasty
A. Waisting of the balloon used to dilate the pulmonary valve marks.
B. Opening of the pulmonary valve with disappearance of the waist.
Why are you being offered pulmonary valve dilatation?
Pulmonary valve dilatation is a medical procedure to treat pulmonary stenosis, a condition where the pulmonary valve is too narrow, restricting blood flow from the heart to the lungs. This procedure is performed by inserting a catheter with a balloon at the tip through a vein and guiding it into the heart. Once inside the valve, the balloon is inflated and separates the valve cusps, allowing better blood flow .
Can I eat and drink before this test?
You must be more than 12 hours before the exam. We try to respect the order and time of passage according to the organization of the day. However, depending on the emergencies of the day, the duration of the interventions of the day, it is possible to have a waiting time of several hours.
Performing pulmonary valve dilatation:
Pulmonary dilatation is performed in the catheterization room. The patient is conscious and lying flat. The doctor performs a venipuncture under local anesthesia at the groin. It is from this route that the doctor inserts a thin catheter into a large vein in the groin. The catheter is guided to the heart. An inflatable balloon is positioned at the pulmonary valve. Then, the balloon is inflated to widen the valve and improve blood flow. At the end of the procedure, the groin is compressed for about ten minutes, a pressure bandage is put on you and you will be asked to keep your leg straight for 4 hours. You can get up afterwards. You are usually discharged the next day.
Are there risks associated with pulmonary valve dilatation?
Despite technical advances and the experience of doctors, cardiac catheterization to dilate the pulmonary valve, like any invasive or surgical procedure, carries a risk of incidents or accidents:
Allergic complications: Most often related to the use of iodinated radiological contrast or local anesthetic. If you have had allergic reactions before, it is imperative to inform your doctor.
Complications at the puncture site of the vein: The most common complication is the formation of a bruise or hematoma at the puncture site, which can persist for several days but is usually inconsequential.
Cardiac and vascular complications: During the examination, discomfort, chest pain, or palpitations related to a rhythm disorder may occur. Serious complications, however, are very rare.
What benefits can be expected from pulmonary valve dilatation?
Pulmonary valve dilatation offers several benefits for patients:
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Improved shortness of breath during exercise: After the procedure, you should feel less shortness of breath during physical activities and in your daily life. Your ability to tolerate exercise should improve, allowing you to participate in activities for longer periods of time.
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Improved quality of life: Pulmonary valve dilatation can reduce anxiety and depression, promoting a better quality of life.
What is the follow-up after pulmonary valve dilatation?
Dilatation of the pulmonary valve gives good results over many years. Follow-up with the cardiologist is annual and there are two possible developments:
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The valve has been dilated and over the years it will tighten. At that point, we can proceed to a new dilatation of the pulmonary valve. We can perform this procedure as many times as necessary, because it represents the best alternative to valve surgery.
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The valve has been dilated and over the years it has become leaky. At this point, we will have the choice of performing pulmonary revalvulation either by catheterization using a bioprosthesis or by surgery using a mechanical valve.
Pulmonary valve stenosis
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