What is balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV)?

BAV represents an application of the balloon aortic valvuloplasty procedure intended to expand the aortic valve in patients diagnosed with aortic stenosis.

Inserting a thin, flexible catheter into one of your groin arteries will allow your aortic valve to be visualized easily if a specific dye is used with X-rays. Then, the inflation of a small balloon opens up the aortic valve to improve cardiac output. The procedure is performed locally, and most patients will need to come in on the day of their procedure and spend at least an overnight stay.

Advantages of this intervention balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV): Minimizing the symptoms of aortic stenosis and optimal heart function will make patients more straightforward to treat with TAVI or AVR. Helpful when you are on standby for cardiac surgery.

How is performed the balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV)?

During surgery, the physician will introduce a small tubing called a cannula into one of the veins to have the medicines and fluids dripped into your body. You will be attached to a cardiac monitor, and a physiologist will place electrodes on your chest. Then, you will be given a local anesthetic in the upper thigh, and two sheaths will be placed in that area once your numbness to your skin is confirmed.

One will go into an artery and the other into a vein. Then, through the vein leading to your heart, your doctor will insert a pacing wire into your vein and use the wire to accelerate your heartbeat.

We do this by increasing heart rate to minimize blood pressure and heart rate resistance thus facilitating better BAV execution.

A catheter with a balloon at its tip is inserted through your sheath into your artery and your heart; your doctor directs the insertion using fluoroscopy. When the catheter is in place, you may have some contrast injected so that the increased visibility of your arteries and aortic valve makes X-ray imaging easier.

It is expected to feel a flushing sensation, taste something salty or metallic in your mouth, or get a headache, but this usually only lasts for a few moments. Your doctor will then inflate the balloon to open the valve and may do this up to three times. You might feel lightheaded or uncomfortable inflating the balloon but should feel much better immediately. After the balloon has been inflated, the doctor will pull out the catheter, balloon, and pacing wire. He will insert the sheath into your access site, and then use an angioseal to seal the minor incision. The angioseal is absorbed by the body ninety days after insertion.

What are the risks of a balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV)?

The following are some of the possible side effects of valvuloplasty, though it is not a comprehensive list:

• Bleeding at the catheter insertion site
• Blood clot or injury to the blood artery where the implant was made
• Infection at the catheter insertion site Cardiac dysrhythmias/arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
• Stroke
• Rupture of the valve, requiring open-heart surgery

There is an extremely low possibility of radiation exposure since the radiation used during a valvuloplasty treatment is believed to be minimal.

Since the procedure might damage the fetus, you must inform your doctor if you are pregnant or could be pregnant. Radioscopy has been known to cause birth defects when administered during pregnancy. If you're lactating, or nursing, you should inform your physician.

Any allergic reaction to the dye carries some danger. The patient should inform a physician of any allergy or sensitivity to medicines, latex, shellfish, iodine, or contrast dyes. Moreover, any patient with kidney failure or other kidney disorders should alert the doctor.

The length of time it takes to perform the examination will be uncomfortable or painful for some patients, as they will be confined to the procedure table.

Other risks will depend on your existing medical condition. Consult any of your concerns with your physician before the procedure.

What can be expected before the surgery?

During this visit, we invite you to come in two to three weeks before your treatment, where we will assess your general health and fitness. Some of the blood tests include an MRSA test. After all the assessment work is completed, we will confirm your date of admission. If you are already an inpatient, you don't have to visit the pre-admission clinic.

To seek advice on your drug regimen from a cardiologist pharmacist, come to the preadmission clinic with all your prescribed drugs. You should not be taking any of the following medications and you should stop taking them in time before undergoing a BAV:

• Three days before your Balloon aortic Valvuloplasty (BAV), stop taking warfarin.
• Novel anticoagulant oral medicines (NOACs): Stop using these 48 hours before the procedure:
• Xarelto by rivaroxaban with Pradaxa by dabigatran
• Eliquis (apixaban)

You may continue any other drugs you receive, but you can call your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse with any questions.

What to expect after the procedure?

Once we have completed the procedure, we transfer you to the cath lab recovery unit for observation. There, we monitor your heart rhythm and rate. Meanwhile, we insert a drip in your arm for medication and fluids. Once you have improved, we send you to the cardiology unit.

Before we can let you go back home, we will have to conduct a blood test and an echocardiogram to check your heart and kidney functions; this is to confirm that the surgical site has actually healed well, and we'll also ask you to walk a short distance.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is a trusted choice for Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty in Lucknow, India. Due to its expert heart specialists, advanced technology, and dedicated care team. Our hospital ensures safe and successful procedures with a patient-first approach. Many families choose it for its excellent outcomes and compassionate care.

To seek an expert consultation for Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty in Lucknow, India

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

Request a Call Back