A balloon valvotomy is a minimally invasive procedure. A doctor uses a thin flexible tube (catheter) that is inserted through an artery in the groin or arm and threaded into the heart. When the tube reaches the narrowed mitral valve, a balloon device located on the tip of the catheter is quickly inflated.

Why It Is Done

A balloon valvotomy might be recommended if you have severe stenosis and the shape of your mitral valve looks like it can be repaired with a valvotomy. Your doctor will also check a few other things to see if a valvotomy is right for you. These things include your overall health and whether you have symptoms.

Balloon valvotomy is not a good option if you have blood clots in the left atrium, a lot of calcium buildup of the mitral valve, or moderate to severe mitral valve regurgitation.