Balloon Valvuloplasty

A balloon valvuloplasty is a very common procedure. The goal is to dilate and expand the heart valve leaflet opening to improve blood flow from the ventricle (pumping chamber) to the lungs or body.

A balloon is attached to a small, thin, flexible tube (called a catheter). Your doctor inserts the catheter into an artery or vein in your child's groin, and then guides the balloon catheter into position across the valve. The balloon is inflated to expand the valve tissue. Then, the balloon is deflated, and we take the balloon catheter out.

A balloon valvuloplasty is the first and most effective treatment option for children who have pulmonary valve stenosis or aortic valve stenosis.

Our team of cardiologists, anesthesiologists and nurses at Children's Health℠ all work together to make this procedure go as smoothly as possible.

What to expect before Balloon Valvuloplasty

Usually, you’ve been referred to us by either another cardiologist or a pediatrician.

First, we’ll evaluate your child to make sure they are a good candidate for the procedure. If your child will benefit from the procedure, we’ll let you know what steps you need to take before the procedure and how to schedule follow-up appointments.

What to expect during Balloon Valvuloplasty

After checking in at the admitting office, you and your child will go to the pre-operative care unit where you will meet with the cardiologist, anesthesiologist and nurse. During this time, you can ask any questions you have before your child receives medication to help them sleep during the procedure.

Your child will then be taken to the catheterization laboratory. We’ll invite you to sit in the waiting room during the procedure. You can meet your child in the post-anesthesia care unit after the procedure is complete.

If your child has a pulmonary valve stenosis, the procedure should take about 90 minutes from start to finish. It will take about two hours if your child has an aortic valve stenosis.

Most children stay overnight in the hospital so we can make sure they aren’t having any post-procedure complications.

What to expect after Balloon Valvuloplasty

Once your child goes home, we want your child to avoid high-contact sports (such as football, hockey or rugby) for five to seven days after the procedure. Your child will require follow up with their cardiologist and outpatient echocardiogram evaluation following valvuloplasty to monitor the result.

No matter what your child’s age, we’re here to help answer any questions.

If your child is younger than 10, we’ll have them meet with a child life specialist. A child life specialist will show them the balloon, how the procedure works (by demonstrating with a teddy bear) and will talk about how the procedure will help their heart function.

For pre-teens, we’ll show them pictures of what the procedure will look like. We also explain to children that even though this procedure will help their heart, they still need to come back and do follow-up appointments.

Teenagers tend to ask us more questions, such as, "How did this happen and why have I only known about it now?”, “I've been playing soccer all my life. Is this going to prevent me from doing that?", or “Can’t I do this when I’m older?” Teenagers want more details on the short-term and long-term benefits. That’s why we take our time to make sure they understand the risks (of not doing the procedure) and the benefits of the procedure.