Strong Heart and Vascular Center

Cardiac Catheterization Labs

Interventional Procedures

What is Mitral Valvuloplasty?

Mitral valvuloplasty is a procedure performed to widen the mitral valve opening. This procedure is done to treat a fairly uncommon condition called mitral stenosis. Mitral stenosis is a thickening and immobility of the mitral valve leaflets, which reduces blood flow within the chambers of the heart (from the left atrium to the left ventricle). Mitral stenosis is often caused by having rheumatic fever as a child. The following are some of the signs and symptoms of mitral stenosis:

Worsening shortness of breath
Lower leg swelling (edema)
An irregular heart rhythm

Mitral valvuloplasty is not recommended for all patients.

What to Expect Prior to the Procedure

You will meet with the physician and anesthesiologist prior to your procedure.
During this visit, your health history will be reviewed.
The procedure will be explained.
You will be asked for the current medications you are taking and their dosages.
Inform your health care team if you are taking Warfarin/Coumadin. Please ask when to stop taking Warfarin/Coumadin.
You will be asked about any allergies, especially to IVP dye or Contrast.
The appointment will take about 1½ hours.
Blood work and an EKG will be done at this visit.

Read and print out full instructions.

What to Expect the Day of the Procedure

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
You will be instructed on which medications you may take with water.
Bring a list of your current medications and dosages with you.
Arrive at the given time; there is no need to arrive early.
You will meet several people who will be your health care team.
The procedure, including benefits and risks involved, will be discussed with you.

What to Expect During the Procedure

IV medicine will be given to help you relax and keep you comfortable.
Your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen level will be monitored frequently.
Usually a cardiac catherization is done first to assess pressures in the heart and lungs to look for heart artery blockages.
Under general anesthesia using echocardiogram and x-ray type guidance, a balloon is directed across the mitral valve and inflated for a few seconds.
The entire procedure usually takes about 3 hours.
When the procedure is done, the tubes in your artery and vein will be removed.

What to Expect After the Procedure

You will be taken to the recovery room until you are awake from the anesthesia.
You will be on bedrest for 4-8 hours.
You will be monitored overnight, and will most likely go home the next day.
You must arrange a ride home accompanied by a responsible adult. Once home, a responsible adult must be with you for 3 hours.

Activity Restrictions

No heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling greater than 10 pounds for 5 days.
After 5 days, no heavy activity that causes deep/heavy breathing for 6-8 weeks.
No driving for 5 days.
No tub baths, swimming, or hot tubs for 7 days.
Most patients return to work within one week.
Specific instructions will be given to you at discharge.

Common Experiences When You Are Home

Tiredness that day.
Tenderness at the procedure site.
May have a small bump (size of a quarter) at the procedure site.
Bruising is common at the procedure site.

What You Should Report Immediately

Upon discharge, we will provide you with a phone number to contact us if you experience any of the following:

Severe discomfort at the insertion site
Bleeding at the insertion site
Increase in chest, arm, or jaw pain
Shortness of breath
Redness or signs of infection at the insertion site

Back to Types of Cardiac Catheterization Procedures