What is balloon valvuloplasty?
A stenotic valve can sometimes be “stretched” open by inflating a balloon across it. This is known as valvuloplasty and is done nonsurgically, through a catheter placed in the femoral artery in the groin. This procedure is done in only certain centers, and not all patients are candidates for this. For example, significant scarring or calcification of the valve, or severe regurgitation of the valve, preclude a successful valvuloplasty result.
