Balloon Mitral Valvotomy

What is Balloon Mitral Valvotomy?

Balloon Mitral Valvotomy (BMV), also called Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty, is a minimally invasive heart procedure used to treat mitral valve stenosis – a condition where the heart’s mitral valve becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle.

In Mohali, Dr. Honey Sharma, an experienced interventional cardiologist, performs balloon mitral valvotomy using advanced imaging and catheter-based techniques, ensuring precise and safe results for patients suffering from valve narrowing.

When is Balloon Mitral Valvotomy Needed?

Mitral valve stenosis can be caused by rheumatic heart disease, age-related changes, or congenital defects. Symptoms often develop slowly but can severely impact daily life.

Dr. Honey Sharma recommends BMV in Mohali for patients with:

• Moderate to severe mitral valve narrowing

• Shortness of breath during exertion

• Fatigue and reduced exercise capacity

• Swelling in legs or feet (edema)

• Heart rhythm disturbances like atrial fibrillation

• Recurrent chest discomfort

Benefits of Balloon Mitral Valvotomy

• Minimally invasive – no open-heart surgery required

• Quick recovery compared to valve replacement

• Improves blood flow across the mitral valve

• Reduces symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue

• Lower complication rate when performed by an expert like Dr. Honey Sharma

The Balloon Mitral Valvotomy Procedure – Step by Step

1. Pre-Procedure Assessment

• Detailed echocardiogram to assess valve condition

• Blood tests and ECG

• Discussion about risks, benefits, and expected outcomes

2. The Procedure

• Performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia

• A thin catheter with a balloon at the tip is inserted via a vein (usually in the groin)

• Guided to the heart using fluoroscopy and echocardiography

• The balloon is positioned inside the narrowed mitral valve

• The balloon is inflated to widen the valve opening, improving blood flow

3. Post-Procedure Care

• Monitoring in the hospital for 24–48 hours

• Follow-up echocardiogram to confirm results

• Gradual return to normal activities within a week

Who is a Candidate for Balloon Mitral Valvotomy?

Ideal candidates for BMV in Mohali include:

• Patients with pliable mitral valves and minimal calcification

• Individuals without severe mitral regurgitation

• Patients without large blood clots in the left atrium

• Younger patients with rheumatic valve disease

Why Choose Dr. Honey Sharma for Balloon Mitral Valvotomy in Mohali?

• Expertise in structural heart interventions

• State-of-the-art cardiac cath lab in Sector 69, Mohali

• High success rate with low complication risk

• Personalized patient care before, during, and after the procedure

• Convenient location for patients from Mohali, Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Zirakpur

Risks and Safety Measures

Balloon mitral valvotomy is generally safe, but like any procedure, it carries some risks:

• Bleeding at the insertion site

• Valve regurgitation (leakage)

• Blood clots

• Rare heart rhythm problems

Dr. Honey Sharma takes all necessary precautions, including advanced imaging, experienced support staff, and careful patient selection, to minimize risks.

Life After Balloon Mitral Valvotomy

• Most patients experience dramatic improvement in symptoms

• You can resume light activities within a week

• Lifelong heart check-ups are recommended to monitor valve function

• Heart-healthy lifestyle and medication (if needed) help maintain results

Comparison: Balloon Mitral Valvotomy vs. Mitral Valve Replacement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is balloon mitral valvotomy painful?
No, it’s performed under anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure.

2. How long does the procedure take?
Typically 1–2 hours, with a short hospital stay.

3. Can the mitral valve narrow again after BMV?
Yes, in some cases, narrowing can recur after several years, especially with rheumatic heart disease.

4. Is BMV available in Mohali?
Yes, Dr. Honey Sharma offers advanced balloon mitral valvotomy in Mohali with top-class facilities.

5. Can elderly patients undergo BMV?
Yes, if they meet the medical criteria and have suitable valve anatomy.

6. Do I need lifelong medication after BMV?
Some patients may need medications to manage heart rhythm or prevent clots.

7. What’s the success rate of BMV?
When performed on suitable patients, the success rate is over 90%.

8. Is the procedure covered by insurance?
Many insurance providers cover BMV. Check with your provider for details.

9. Can I travel after the procedure?
Yes, after recovery and follow-up clearance from Dr. Sharma.

10. Is it safe for pregnant women?
In select cases, BMV can be safely performed during pregnancy to relieve symptoms.

Book Your Balloon Mitral Valvotomy Consultation in Mohali

If you have mitral valve stenosis and want to avoid open-heart surgery, balloon mitral valvotomy might be the right choice for you.