Valvuloplasty

Overview

Valvuloplasty is a nonsurgical procedure that can open a narrowed heart valve (stenosis). Valvuloplasty can be used on three of the four heart valves: the mitral, aortic, or pulmonary valves.

Valvuloplasty is very similar to angioplasty, which opens up blocked blood vessels. The procedure is performed in a cardiac catheterization lab using an X-ray and a dye injected into the bloodstream. A catheter is inserted into the leg and passed through the bloodstream to the heart, where pressure measurements are taken. A balloon is quickly inflated and deflated within the valve as many as two to three times to stretch open the valve.

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) is a procedure which stretches the aortic valve to improve the symptoms of aortic stenosis

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) is a procedure that stretches the aortic valve to improve the symptoms of aortic stenosis.

Improving Patient Care

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) is the leading nonprofit medical society representing invasive and interventional cardiology. Founded in 1978, SCAI’s mission is to lead the global interventional cardiovascular community through education, advocacy, research, and quality patient care. 

SCAI has dedicated its work to advancing the profession and is the designated society for guidance, representation, professional recognition, education, and research opportunities for invasive and interventional cardiology professionals. For more than 40 years, SCAI has personified professional excellence and innovation globally, fostering a trusted community of more than 4,500 members dedicated to medical advancement and lifesaving care for adults and children with cardiovascular disease.  

Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions®

1100 17th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036