BALLOON VALVE SURGERY OF MEDIGOCARE

What is balloon valvuloplasty? 

Valvotomy or balloon valvuloplasty is a less invasive treatment option than replacement surgery. Valvuloplasty is performed to open up a stiff or stenotic heart valve. In this treatment, a very narrow, hollow, and small tube or catheter is basically advanced from the blood vessels right in the groin via the aorta straight into the heart. 

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Once this tube or the catheter is properly placed in that valve that needs to be opened up, a large balloon that is at the tip of the tube or catheter gets inflated till the flaps or leaflets of that valve are opened. And once it is opened, then the balloon is again deflated and finally the catheter or the tube is removed.

Conditions Treated 

Balloon valvuloplasty is used for treating: – 

Aortic stenosis: – 

The narrowing down of the aortic valve in your heart that restricts the flow of blood through that valve and then forces your heart to contract even harder for pumping blood into the aorta. 

Valvular heart disease: – 

Any heart disease that involves one or more valves of your heart is valvular heart disease. And it may be acquired or inherited. 

Types of balloon valvotomy or balloon valvuloplasty: –  

Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty: – 

Patients who are diagnosed with the mitral valve stenosis, certain blockages in the pulmonary valve, or high-risk aortic stenosis need to go through the balloon mitral valvuloplasty treatment. Such valvular obstructions are removed using specialized balloon catheters. The balloon gets threaded into the heart via the vein or femoral in the groin and expanded temporarily across the narrowed or clogged valve. The main aim of this treatment or process is to improve the flow of blood across the mitral valve. 

The balloon mitral valvuloplasty cost in India may vary depending on different factors like patient’s severity, other related heath conditions, the hospital amenities, etc.

Percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty: – 

BAV or Balloon aortic valvuloplasty in combination with optimal medical treatments remain a feasible and a completely safe treatment option for the patients. Medigocare’s interventional cardiologists carry out this BAV treatment in patients who need immediate non-cardiac surgery or need surgical aortic valve replacement. In this case also, the balloon valvuloplasty – aortic price will also vary patient to patient and hospital to hospital.

Why is it done? 

Doctors will thoroughly examine the patient first to determine whether this balloon valvuloplasty treatment is required or not. Doctors generally recommend this if: – 

• The patient has severe valve narrowing symptoms
• The patient is suffering from narrowing of the mitral valve
• The patient is having a narrowed pulmonary or tricuspid valve, for which the patient will have to undergo percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty, percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty and percutaneous balloon tricuspid valvuloplasty. 
• Or, the patient is having a narrowed aortic valve 

However, this treatment is usually done if the patient is too serious or is waiting for the valve replacement. 

Symptoms of Balloon Valvuloplasty: –

Aortic valve stenosis can be defined as a gradual process or narrowing of the valve. For many years, you may not feel any such signs. But, if the valve becomes so narrow that’s almost one-fourth of the normal valve size then you may begin having some problems. Some common symptoms you may observe when you will need the balloon valvuloplasty treatment are as follows: – 

• Fainting or dizziness
• Chest pain and pressure or angina
• Easy fatigue
• Palpitations
• Breathlessness
• Oedema swelling of your feet 

Who needs valvuloplasty?

• Young adults and children: – Balloon valvuloplasty is used for those young adults and children who have symptoms due to congenital heart problems for example, bicuspid valve. 
• Pregnant women: – Balloon valvuloplasty can be used for those  pregnant women who acquire symptoms of aortic valve stenosis during pregnancy and cannot go for surgical treatment in that condition. 
• As an emer arrangement: – When one is extremely ill then too doctors may recommend valvuloplasty treatment till the patient gets the replacement treatment. 
• Utilization for palliation: – The patients who are going through severe conditions which are not curable.  

Risks of Valvuloplasty / Complications of Balloon Valvuloplasty include: – 

The possible complications of valvuloplasty or risks of balloon valvuloplasty are: – 

• Bleeding occurs right at the site where the catheter is inserted
• Damage of the blood vessels or blood clot again at the catheter insertion site
• Excessive blood loss, which may need even blood transfusion
• Infection occurs at the site where the catheter is inserted
• Kidney failure
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Stroke
• Worsening valve leakage or regurgitation
• Valve rupture that may even need open-heart surgery

Now, if you have conceived or you think that you may be pregnant then talk to your doctor about the risks like injury to your foetus from the valvuloplasty, etc. Exposure to radiation during pregnancy can even result in birth defects. Also, make sure to tell the doctor if you already have a child and you have to breast-feed your child and you lactate. 

Risks or complications of valvuloplasty like allergic reaction may also occur. And if the patient is sensitive or allergic to medicines, latex, iodine, or contrast dyes, then the patient must talk to the doctor about it. Also, if the patient has kidney problems then too, he or she must speak up to the doctor. 

Discussing all the health problems with the doctor is important before starting with the valvuloplasty or else it may show pain, discomfort, or severe negative reactions. 

Some other complications may also occur after it during the procedure so make sure to discuss all the health concerns with the doctor before the procedure starts. 

Technique of balloon valvuloplasty

Pre-procedure of Balloon Valvuloplasty 

• Mention the complete medical & surgical history
• The doctor will then explain the procedure to the patient
• The patient must inform the doctor if he or she is allergic to some kind medication or have previously suffered from bleeding ailments
• Also, the patient will have to inform if she is pregnant or is suspecting that she might be. 
• The patient has to fast overnight before the procedure begins. 
• Then the doctor might change or discontinue some medicines or doses of the medicines accordingly. 
• Also, the patient must let the doctor know about all the supplements and medicines he or she is taking. 
• The patient will need to undergo some tests before the procedure. 

During Procedure 

• The procedure may take around 1-2 hours to complete. 
• IV – The line is then added and the vitals are monitored all the time during the procedure. 
• Local anaesthesia is injected at the site and the patient is given sedatives for unwinding. 
• The health care provider then insert an introducer via an artery in the groin or arm. 
• Once that’s done, a thin and small flexible tube or the catheter is then inserted through that introducer and is threaded or tied to the heart. 
• Next, when the catheter or tube is inserted and placed, the physician then inject the contrast dye for checking at the region. 
• Once the tube or catheter reaches the narrowed or clogged heart valve, the balloon at the tip of the catheter or tube is then inflated. The physician may deflate and inflate the balloon many times for opening the valve. 
• This balloon broadens the opening of the valve.
• When the valve opens, then the physician again deflates the balloon & removes the catheter. 
• The physician will also hold pressure at that insertion site. And when the bleeding will stop, a bandage will be tightly placed in that region. 

Post-procedure of Balloon Valvuloplasty 

• You will be shifted to the recovery cabin and will be kept under observation now. 
• The patient may be recommended bed rest for 2-6 hours. 
• You might feel a little nostalgic because of the catheter that was inserted but this feeling will go away in just a few days. 
• You may be prescribed medicines for distress or pain. 
• You can get back to your regular and normal diet plan after the procedure is over and you are back home. 
• But make sure the insertion site is absolutely dry and clean. 
• It is important to bring some changes to your lifestyle to maintain a healthy heart like quitting smoking, etc. 
• Restrict the intake of sodium in your diet. 
• Always try to be active. You can definitely consult the physician about the exercises you must do. 
• Maintain a healthy weight as well.

Diagnostic Tests 

Valve disease may be found even during a regular routine medical checkup or test. 

• On Auscultation: – Heart murmur that is the sound of the flow of blood throughout the abnormal or damaged heart valve. The murmur may be the major clinical indication of the valve disorder if there are no other symptoms. 
• ECG or Echocardiogram: – An echo, or ECG, or Echocardiogram uses the sound waves for making an image of the patient’s heart. This test reveals the different constructions and parts of the heart as well as demonstrates if there are any abnormalities in the valves. 
• X-ray 

How much does a balloon valvuloplasty cost in India? 

The balloon valvuloplasty and balloon surgery Cost In India may range somewhere around rupees 2,59,000 for 8-10 days. However, the price may vary based on different factors. Places in India like Medigocare provides extensive and low cost balloon valvuloplasty in India. The affordable price of balloon valvuloplasty makes it suitable for everyone irrespective of their financial conditions.

Factors that affect the Cost of Balloon Valvuloplasty 

The cost of balloon valvuloplasty and balloon valve surgery in india may depend on factors like: – 

• The hospital you choose
• Fees of the doctor and the OT charges
• Entire cost if the process
• Costs of the diagnostic procedures and standard tests
• Cost or charges of the follow-ups after the process or treatment

Advantages of valvuloplasty: – 

Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty or simply balloon valvuloplasty is defined as the minimally invasive process of repairing the valves. This treatment helps to improve the floow of blood through the heart & give relief from symptoms like: – 

• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Fainting
• Difficulty in breathing
• Palpitations
• Bluish or pale skin
• Quick weight gain because of fluid retention
• Excessive swelling of the ankles, feet, or abdomen

Opting for surgery on time can also prevent the occurence of complications like: – 

• Heart attack
• Abnormal hearth rhythm
• Heart failure
• Embolism
• High blood pressure
• Ventricular rupture
• Stroke
• Contrast dye allery

Recovery time of valvuloplasty: – 

The recovery time will depend on many factors like the overall heart and health condition of the patient. Usually, the patient wll need to stay away from any kind of strenous work and swimming for at least a week or more as per the doctor’s recommendations.