Why is this procedure done?
The heart is a muscle that pumps blood through the body. The heart has four chambers, which are separated by valves. The blood is pumped through the heart and body in one direction. The valves help control the flow of blood through the heart. ‚
Blood may flow backward through a damaged valve. If a valve is narrow, blood may have problems moving through it at all. Both of these can make the heart work harder. There will not be enough blood pumped through the valves when this happens, or the blood can back up and cause heart, lung, or other health problems. ‚
Doctors may do a procedure to try and open a closed or stiff valve inside the heart. They will use a thin tube called a catheter that has a small balloon at the tip. This procedure is a percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty. It is done: ‚
- To open a narrow or closed heart valve
- When a person is born with a narrow heart valve
- When a person has had an infection, like rheumatic fever, that injures the heart valve
- If a person will not be able to tolerate an operation to replace the heart valve
What will the results be?
Your blood flow should improve. This may help your signs go away. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you. Tell the doctor about any allergies to iodine or shellfish.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- X-rays
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home. You may spend the night in the hospital for close watching.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- Small stickers will be placed on your chest so the doctor can see your heart rate and rhythm.
- Staff will watch you closely during the procedure.
- The doctor will decide what area to use for your procedure. It will either be the area around your upper thigh (groin), arm, or wrist. This area will be shaved, cleaned, and numbed. The doctors will use a needle to make a hole in the blood vessel. Then, a small wire and tube called a catheter will be passed through it. The wire and tube will pass through the blood vessel until they reach your heart.
- The doctor will take x-rays to see where the wire and catheter are located. The doctor may put dye in the blood vessels to be able to see them better. You may be asked to stay still and hold your breath for a few seconds. The table may move and take pictures of your heart from many angles.
- Your doctor may measure the blood pressure in your heart. Your doctor may also take blood samples.
- The doctor will put the balloon-tipped catheter into the valve that needs to be repaired.
- When the catheter with the balloon is in place, your doctor will blow up the balloon. You may feel a little discomfort during this time.
- Your doctor will remove the catheter.
- Your doctor will close the cut and cover it with clean bandages.
- The procedure takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room for a few hours. Your heart rate and blood pressure will be watched closely. The staff will check for bleeding. The doctor may leave a tube called a sheath in the area where the catheter was placed. This may stay for an hour or so after the surgery. You may have a pressure dressing or a weight on your dressing. This is to help the bleeding stop. The sheath will be taken out when your blood is clotting normally.
- Your doctor will give you drugs for pain. You will have to lie flat for a few hours if your procedure is done through the groin. After a few hours, you can begin to walk around with help.
- Some people are allowed to go home after the procedure. Others have to stay overnight or longer.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work, driving, or sex
- Be sure to wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
- Take short walks around your house. Ask about going up and down stairs at home for the first few days after your procedure.
- Get plenty of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day. This will help to flush the dye out of your body.
- Avoid straining from bowel movement. Eat a lot of fiber-rich foods like fruits, whole grains, and vegetables.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your condition needs close monitoring. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- You will be on blood thinners for a long time. Always tell your doctor that you are on blood thinners when you need a procedure or surgery. Wear your medical alert bracelet stating that you are on blood thinners.
- Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and high blood sugar under control.
- Avoid smoking and beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Exercise regularly. Ask your doctor what exercise is safe for you. Be sure to ask your doctor before you do any exercise.
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Valve becomes more damaged
- Damage to the heart muscles
- Blood clots
- Valve closes again
Where can I learn more?
National Heart. Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hvd/treatment.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚