A valvuloplasty is a procedure that is performed to open a narrowed (stenotic) valve. It can be performed using a deflated balloon catheter that is threaded into the heart (see fig. 1). The balloon is then inflated to widen the valve and improve the function of the heart (see fig. 2 and 3). The balloon catheter is removed following the procedure and blood flow through the valve is improved.

Figure 1: A deflated balloon catheter being guided into the heart and positioned inside the stenotic (narrowed) valve.

Figure 2: Close up view of the inflated balloon catheter in the heart.

Figure 3: The narrowed valve is opened by the balloon catheter and blood flow is improved.