Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty – Percutaneous commissurotomy

Description percutaneous commissurotomy

Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty is done to open a narrowed heart valve using a balloon inflated with air.

Causes of percutaneous commissurotomy

Any of the four heart valves can become deformed. This may be due to congenital abnormalities, or scarring from disease. Salvage valve can reduce the amount of blood pumped. This condition is called stenosis. The low number of pumped blood can lead to heart failure and death. To restore the normal blood flow valve must be open.

Rheumatic fever and congenital heart disease – two main reasons stenosis. Stenosis can also occur due to aging and calcium deposits.

Depending on the overall condition of the valve, postoperative alleviation of the symptoms expected, which will last at least two years. In some patients, relieving symptoms last much longer.

Possible complications of percutaneous commissurotomy

If you plan to valvuloplasty, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Bleeding;
• Infection;
• Leaking valve;
• Damage to the heart or other organs;
• Blood clots;
• Stroke.

Even patients with severe disease, during commissurotomy risk of complications or death less 5%. Some factors, that may increase the risk of complications:

• Smoking;
• Blood clots in the heart;
• The unusual anatomy of the heart valve;
• General health.

How is percutaneous commissurotomy?

Preparing for valvuloplasty

There will be a thorough examination, to determine the overall health, the heart and the character of the valve defect. The success of the procedure depends on the condition of the valve, degree of calcification, the size of the valve opening. Many valves can not be cured with the use of this technique. They require open-heart surgery.

Tell your doctor about taking any medications. A week before surgery you may be asked to stop taking certain drugs:

• Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plaviks) or warfarin.

Anesthesia

It used only local anesthesia, and, perhaps, mild sedative. Local anesthesia numb the area operation. Sedation will help you relax and unwind.

Description of the procedure performed a valvuloplasty

You will lie in the special procedural Chamber, with X-ray apparatus and surgical equipment. Depending on the valve, which needs surgery, It will be prepared by a blood vessel in the groin or arm. Fine wire (conductor) It will be introduced through the skin into the blood vessels. It is advanced through a blood vessel, until it reaches the valve. The introduction will be monitored by X-rays. When the conductor reaches pathological valve, thereon is fed to the cylinder tube at the end. Through the tube can be administered contrast agent, which will allow a better view of the surgical area to make sure, the device is in the right place. Air balloon is inflated and launched (the doctor may repeat this action several times). After the device is removed from the blood vessel.

Immediately after percutaneous commissurotomy

You need to lie on her back for a period of time. In the area of ​​the puncture can be placed a bandage to put pressure. We must follow the instructions of nurses.

How long will percutaneous commissurotomy?

From 30 minutes to two hours.

Percutaneous commissurotomy – Will it hurt?

You may feel some discomfort when the balloon is inflated. Some patients report feeling the heat after the administration of contrast material.

The average hospital stay after percutaneous commissurotomy

Most patients have to stay overnight for health surveillance. Your doctor may prolong hospitalization, if there were complications.

Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty – postoperative care

Recovery time is minimal. On the bandage is applied to the puncture site. They can be assigned to medication, blood thinners, eg, aspirin. Strenuous activities should be limited. We recommend light exercise and drink plenty of zhidkosti.Cherez few days or weeks after the procedure, the doctor will conduct an additional inspection.

Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

Contact your doctor after percutaneous commissurotomy

After discharge from the hospital need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Redness, edema, strong pain, bleeding or discharge from the puncture site;
• Pain, which does not pass after taking pain medication appointed;
• Dizziness, fainting, or inability to speak;
• Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain;
• Cold and blue hands or feet
• Other painful symptoms.