Ardennes (department)

Medical procedure to repair the aortic valve

Aortic valvuloplasty is a medical procedure used to repair a stenotic aortic valve, which is a condition where the aortic valve becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow from the heart to the aorta and onward to the rest of the body. This procedure is often performed as a palliative treatment to relieve symptoms in patients who are not candidates for surgical aortic valve replacement.

Procedure

Aortic valvuloplasty is typically performed using a catheter-based technique. The procedure involves the insertion of a catheter with a balloon at its tip into the femoral artery in the groin. The catheter is then advanced through the aorta to the aortic valve. Once in position, the balloon is inflated to stretch the valve open, increasing the valve area and improving blood flow.

Indications

Aortic valvuloplasty is indicated in patients with severe aortic stenosis who are symptomatic and are not suitable candidates for surgical aortic valve replacement or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). It is often used as a bridge to more definitive treatment or in patients with limited life expectancy.

Risks and Complications

While aortic valvuloplasty can provide symptomatic relief, it is associated with several risks and potential complications. These include:

• Aortic regurgitation
• Vascular complications at the catheter insertion site
• Embolization of debris leading to stroke
• Recurrence of stenosis

Outcomes

The outcomes of aortic valvuloplasty can vary. While the procedure can provide immediate relief of symptoms, the effects are often temporary, and restenosis can occur within 6 to 12 months. Therefore, it is generally considered a palliative procedure rather than a curative one.

History

The development of aortic valvuloplasty dates back to the 1980s as an alternative to surgical valve replacement in patients who were not surgical candidates. Over the years, advancements in catheter technology and imaging techniques have improved the safety and efficacy of the procedure.

Related procedures

• Balloon valvuloplasty
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
• Surgical aortic valve replacement

Related pages

• Aortic stenosis
• Heart valve disease
• Cardiac catheterization

Gallery

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  Diagram of aortic valvuloplasty procedure

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