What is Balloon Mitral Valvotomy?
Balloon Mitral Valvotomy, also known as Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty (PBMV) or Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy (PTMC), is a minimally invasive procedure to treat mitral stenosis – a condition where the mitral valve narrows and restricts blood flow between the left atrium and left ventricle.
What is Mitral Stenosis?
The mitral valve regulates blood flow in one direction—from the left atrium to the left ventricle. When this valve becomes narrowed, it causes blood to stagnate in the left atrium, leading to symptoms such as:
- Breathlessness
- Palpitations
- Chest pain
If untreated, mitral stenosis may lead to complications like pulmonary hypertension or stroke.
How is Balloon Mitral Valvotomy Performed?
This procedure widens the narrowed mitral valve to improve blood flow:
- A thin, flexible catheter with a balloon at its tip is inserted through a vein in the groin.
- The catheter is guided to the heart and positioned at the narrowed valve.
- The balloon is inflated, separating fused valve leaflets and enlarging the valve opening.
When is Balloon Mitral Valvotomy Recommended?
This treatment is ideal for patients with:
- A mitral valve opening less than 1.5 cm².
- Symptoms like breathlessness or pulmonary hypertension caused by valve narrowing.
- A history of stroke linked to mitral stenosis.
- Mitral stenosis during pregnancy planning.
Benefits of Balloon Mitral Valvotomy
- Minimally invasive with a lower risk of complications compared to open-heart surgery.
- Provides immediate symptom relief and improves heart function.
- Short recovery time.
Possible Complications
- Mitral Valve Regurgitation:
- Occurs in 1 out of 10 cases.
- May cause blood leakage due to valve damage.
- Restenosis:
- The valve may narrow again after 10–20 years.
- Treatment options include repeat valvotomy or valve replacement surgery.
Outcomes and Success Rate
Short-Term Benefits:
- Significant and immediate improvement in symptoms.
- Increased valve area by 1.0–2.0 cm², enhancing blood flow and reducing pressure.
- Improved left atrial function in patients with sinus rhythm or atrial fibrillation.
Long-Term Benefits:
- Sustained improvement in heart function.
- Pulmonary vascular resistance often normalizes.
Survival Rate:
Over 90% survival at 4 years post-procedure, demonstrating its safety and effectiveness.
Experience Relief Today
Balloon Mitral Valvotomy offers a highly effective, minimally invasive solution for mitral stenosis. Consult our specialists to determine if this procedure is right for you.