Aortic valvuloplasty
Encyclopedia
Aortic valvuloplasty is the repair of a stenotic aortic valve using a balloon catheter
inside the valve. The balloon is placed into the aortic valve
that has become stiff from calcium buildup. The balloon is then inflated in an effort to increase the opening size of the valve and improving blood flow
.
According to the ACC/AHA 2006 Guidelines for the Management of Patients
With Valvular Heart Disease
, balloon valvuloplasty (also referred to as balloon valvotomy) is not to be recommended, except for certain adolescent congenital defects. The preferred alternative, if available, is aortic valve replacement
.
Alternatively, as of late 2006, percutaneous aortic valve replacement
is being trialled as a less invasive operation to replace dysfunctional valves.
Balloon catheter
A balloon catheter is a type of "soft" catheter with an inflatable "balloon" at its tip which is used during a catheterization procedure to enlarge a narrow opening or passage within the body...
inside the valve. The balloon is placed into the aortic valve
Aortic valve
The aortic valve is one of the valves of the heart. It is normally tricuspid , although in 1% of the population it is found to be congenitally bicuspid . It lies between the left ventricle and the aorta....
that has become stiff from calcium buildup. The balloon is then inflated in an effort to increase the opening size of the valve and improving blood flow
Blood flow
Blood flow is the continuous running of blood in the cardiovascular system.The human body is made up of several processes all carrying out various functions. We have the gastrointestinal system which aids the digestion and the absorption of food...
.
According to the ACC/AHA 2006 Guidelines for the Management of Patients
With Valvular Heart Disease
, balloon valvuloplasty (also referred to as balloon valvotomy) is not to be recommended, except for certain adolescent congenital defects. The preferred alternative, if available, is aortic valve replacement
Aortic valve replacement
Aortic valve replacement is a cardiac surgery procedure in which a patient's failing aortic valve is replaced with an alternate healthy valve. The aortic valve can be affected by a range of diseases; the valve can either become leaky or partially blocked...
.
Alternatively, as of late 2006, percutaneous aortic valve replacement
Percutaneous aortic valve replacement
In Percutaneous aortic valve replacement or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation , a replacement valve is passed through a hole in the groin by a puncture of the femoral artery and advanced up to the ascending aorta of the patient. It substitutes for a more invasive procedure in which the chest...
is being trialled as a less invasive operation to replace dysfunctional valves.
External links
- Valvuloplasty, information by Stanford HospitalStanford HospitalStanford Hospital and Clinics is known worldwide for advanced treatment of complex disorders in areas such as cardiovascular care, cancer treatment, neurosciences, surgery, and organ transplants. Consistently ranked among the nation's top hospitals, Stanford Hospital and Clinics is internationally...