Valvotomy

Valvotomy is a surgical procedure used to treat heart valve disorders, specifically stenosis or narrowing of the heart valves.

Types of Valvotomy

• Commissurotomy: This type of valvotomy involves making an incision in the commissures (the areas where the valve leaflets meet) to separate them and improve blood flow.
• Decalcification: This procedure involves removing calcium deposits that have built up on the valve, which can cause stenosis.
• Balloon valvotomy: Also known as balloon valvuloplasty, this is a minimally invasive procedure where a catheter with a balloon on the end is inserted through an artery and guided to the heart. The balloon is then inflated to stretch the valve open.

Indications for Valvotomy

Valvotomy is typically performed to treat:

• Mitral stenosis: narrowing of the mitral valve, which can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs.
• Aortic stenosis: narrowing of the aortic valve, which can cause symptoms such as chest pain, fainting, and shortness of breath.
• Pulmonary stenosis: narrowing of the pulmonary valve, which can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, valvotomy carries risks and potential complications, including:

• Bleeding or hemorrhage
• Infection
• Damage to surrounding tissues or organs
• Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Death

Post-Operative Care and Recovery

After a valvotomy procedure, patients typically require:

• Monitoring in an intensive care unit (ICU) for several days
• Pain management with medication
• Antibiotics to prevent infection
• A gradual return to normal activities over several weeks or months

Long-Term Outcomes

The long-term outcomes of valvotomy vary depending on the individual patient and the underlying condition being treated. In general, valvotomy can:

• Improve symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue
• Increase exercise tolerance
• Reduce the risk of complications such as heart failure or arrhythmias