Until recently, the main treatment for pulmonary valve stenosis was surgery. It had to be performed through a large incision in the chest using a heart-lung machine. However, traumatic operations are no longer required today. Pulmonary valve stenosis can be successfully treated with a minimally invasive procedure. It is performed through a small incision in the groin. Moreover, minimally invasive interventions are effective in adults and children of all ages and do not require a long recovery. You can undergo your pulmonary valve balloon valvuloplasty in Germany and expect good long-term results.
Content
- Who may need a balloon valvuloplasty?
- How is a balloon valvuloplasty performed?
The procedure is performed through a small incision in the leg from inside the blood vessels under X-ray (angiography) guidance. No incisions in the chest are required. The treatment technique is minimally invasive and safe. And what is more, patients recover quickly after the procedure.
You can seek medical attention at the University Hospital Ulm, the University Hospital Essen, or the University Hospital Oldenburg.
The Booking Health company will take care of all the arrangements for your trip. We will contact the hospital administration and schedule an appointment for you on the dates you specify. We will also translate your medical records into German, book airline tickets and a hotel room, meet you at the German airport, and take you to the hospital by car.
Who may need a balloon valvuloplasty?
Balloon repair is the first choice for treating pulmonary valve stenosis. This is one of the most common congenital malformations in children. The procedure is performed with a gradient (difference) of systolic pressure (at the time of heart contraction) between the right ventricle and the pulmonary trunk of 50 mmHg and more.
A balloon valvuloplasty has many advantages over valve replacement:
- minimally invasive procedure;
- minimal health risks;
- shorter recovery time;
- no need to take anticoagulants;
- revision interventions will not be required in the future due to the wear of the artificial valve.
How is a balloon valvuloplasty performed?
The vascular bed is approached through the femoral vein or, less frequently, through the jugular vein. A physician makes a skin incision, after which he inserts a vascular introducer to provide a permanent approach. A guidewire is inserted through the introducer to insert a catheter. Angiography is then performed, during which a contrast agent is injected into the blood vessels and X-rays are made. The pressure in the right ventricle is measured.
Cardiosurgery doctors deliver the guidewire to the pulmonary trunk and place it in one of the pulmonary arteries. The catheter is then removed, and the balloon is delivered along the guidewire. Its middle is placed in the area of stenosis. The balloon is inflated using a syringe and a manometer by injecting a saline-containing liquid into it. The disappearance of the "waist" of the balloon indicates that the procedure was a success and the stenosis was eliminated.
The double balloon valvuloplasty technique can also be used. In this case, doctors catheterize two veins, after which two balloons are placed into the stenosis area. The technique is suitable for patients with large vascular ring diameters.
You are welcome to use the Booking Health service to undergo your pulmonary valve stenosis treatment in Germany. This procedure is available at the best hospitals with cardiosurgery departments, with high success rates and a minimal risk of complications. On the Booking Health website, you can find out the cost of treatment, compare prices at different cardiosurgery departments in Germany, and choose the most favorable option. Our specialists will help you select the most suitable clinics and arrange your trip.
Authors:
The article was edited by medical experts, board-certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova and Dr. Vadim Zhiliuk. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Sources:
National Library of Medicine
ECR - European Cardiology Review
PubMed