Aortic valvuloplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat aortic valve stenosis, where the valve becomes narrowed and restricts blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Unlike valve replacement, aortic valvuloplasty aims to widen the valve opening by inflating a balloon inside the narrowed valve, improving blood flow without the need for removing or replacing the valve. This procedure is often used as a temporary measure for patients who are not suitable candidates for aortic valve replacement due to age, underlying health conditions, or as a bridge to surgery in critical cases. The primary cause for needing an aortic valvuloplasty is aortic stenosis, which can result from age-related calcification of the valve, congenital defects such as a bicuspid aortic valve, or conditions like rheumatic heart disease. In cases of aortic stenosis, the valve's leaflets become stiff and thickened, limiting their ability to open fully, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood efficiently. Symptoms leading to the need for aortic valvuloplasty include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, fainting, and heart palpitations, especially during physical activity. These symptoms occur as the heart struggles to maintain normal blood flow against the increased resistance of the narrowed valve. Although valvuloplasty can provide temporary relief from symptoms, the condition often recurs, and many patients eventually require more definitive treatment, such as aortic valve replacement. Nonetheless, valvuloplasty can significantly improve quality of life and reduce symptoms in high-risk patients.
