A balloon valvotomy is a preferred treatment for mitral valve stenosis. It is a procedure that widens the mitral valve so that blood flows more easily through the heart.

A balloon valvotomy is a minimally invasive procedure. A doctor uses a thin flexible tube (catheter) that is inserted through an artery in the groin or arm and threaded into the heart. When the tube reaches the narrowed mitral valve, a balloon device located on the tip of the catheter is quickly inflated. The narrowed or fused mitral valve leaflets are separated and stretched open as the balloon presses against them. This process increases the size of the mitral valve opening and allows more blood to flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle.

What To Expect After Treatment

Symptoms of mitral valve stenosis improve almost immediately after a balloon valvotomy.

Call your doctor if symptoms return

Symptoms may happen again after a balloon valvotomy. Sometimes these symptoms are due to the mitral valve narrowing again (restenosis). Restenosis might happen 1 to 2 years after treatment. But symptoms can also be caused by other valves, heart, or lung problems, especially when they develop long after the valvotomy procedure.

If symptoms happen again after a valvotomy, tell your doctor. You will be asked about your symptoms and will probably have tests to check your heart valves.