Balloon valvuloplasty

VALVULOPLASTY OF THE MITRAL, AORTIC OR PULMONARY VALVE


If you have a narrowed heart valve, you may benefit from a balloon valvuloplasty

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London Heart Practice

What is a balloon valvuloplasty?

Balloon valvuloplasty involves passing a thin plastic tube (catheter) through a large blood vessel into your heart.

A balloon is then inflated to open up your valve. It does not cure the problem but can delay surgery. It may also be used for children until they are old enough for valve replacement.

Need to know

This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and light sedation, meaning you'll be drowsy but pain-free while it's carried out. After your skin has been numbed your consultant will make a small cut in your groin and a thin tube (catheter) with a small balloon attached to it will be passed into your heart. The balloon is inflated inside the narrowed valve to make it wider. The balloon is then deflated and removed, along with the catheter.

This minimally invasive procedure has a much shorter recovery time than full open surgery.
Your consultant will let you know how best to prepare for a balloon valvuloplasty procedure.
Although the procedure is significantly less invasive than open surgery, you will still need to stay in hospital overnight.

Our Balloon valvuloplasty consultants

Professor Neil Ruparelia

Professor Neil Ruparelia

Cardiology

Dr Saqib Chowdhary

Dr Saqib Chowdhary

Cardiology

Dr Nigel G Stephens

Dr Nigel G Stephens

Cardiology

Professor Sagar Doshi

Professor Sagar Doshi

Cardiology

Our Balloon valvuloplasty locations

The Harley Street Clinic

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.