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Percutaneous Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty

Percutaneous Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty

The aortic valve controls blood flow from your heart to the rest of your body. When this valve becomes narrowed—a condition known as aortic stenosis—blood flow is restricted, which can lead to symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, and breathlessness.

This procedure uses a balloon catheter to gently stretch open the narrowed valve, improving blood flow and easing symptoms. It may be recommended for patients who are not suitable candidates for open-heart surgery or TAVI as a palliative procedure.

Common risks

  • Minor bruising at the catheter site
  • Brief abnormal heart rhythms that resolve on their own
  • Larger bruising or swelling at the insertion site.
  • Stroke, which may cause lasting disability.
  • Death, either from the procedure or the underlying heart condition

Uncommon risks

  • Persistent abnormal heart rhythms requiring electrical correction.
  • Blood clots (embolism) that may require blood thinners.
  • Damage or leakage of the aortic or mitral valve

What Happens During the Procedure?

  • A small canula or drip is placed in your arm to deliver medications.
  • You will receive a local anaesthetic to numb the area where the catheter is inserted—usually in your groin or wrist.
  • A sedative may be given to help you stay relaxed.
  • Using X-ray guidance, your cardiologist will thread a thin wire through your blood vessels to reach the aortic valve. A balloon is then guided along the wire and positioned inside the valve. The balloon is inflated to gently open the valve and may be inflated more than once.
  • Once the valve is widened, the balloon and wire are removed.
  • It is important to know that this procedure is not a permanent fix. It is designed to provide short-term relief, especially for patients who are not suitable for open-heart surgery or TAVI. Most people experience improvement for 6 to 12 months, though symptoms may return earlier.

Rare risks

  • Heart attack
  • Kidney damage from contrast dye used during imaging.
  • Infection requiring antibiotics.
  • Allergic reaction to contrast dye.
  • Increased lifetime exposure to radiation
  • Accidental puncture of the heart or valve—may require surgery.
  • Nerve damage in the leg
  • Emergency heart surgery due to complications
  • Skin injury from radiation exposure