Heart valves can have damage from scaring, wear and tear over time, or congenital birth defects. When the heart's valves are damaged, blood flow is restricted. If this blood flow is interrupted for any reason, heart attack can occur. A narrow valve (aortic stenosis) requires a percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty. This minimally invasive procedure is used to stretch the valve and restore proper blood flow to the heart.
For more information or to make an appointment, call (615) 515-1900.
How it works:
- A local anesthetic will numb the area where your doctor will make a small incision.
- Your doctor will insert a small tube (about the size of a pencil) through the artery to the narrow section.
- The delivery tube will inflate and deflate a tiny balloon to create pressure to stretch the valve.
- The balloon may be inflated and deflated several times to make sure the valve opens and closes correctly.
- When the valve is allowing more blood to flow, your doctor will remove the tube.