The aortic valve is the heart valve located between the left ventricle (left ventricle), which pumps blood to the body, and the main artery (aorta) that separates from the heart. As people get older, the narrowing of this valve due to deterioration of its structure and calcification is called aortic stenosis. Aortic valve stenosis may develop at an earlier age due to rheumatic fever in childhood or congenital structural defects of the valve. In severe aortic stenosis, the amount of blood thrown into the main artery decreases significantly and as a result, the patient may experience chest pain, fainting and shortness of breath. The average life expectancy after the appearance of these complaints is less than 3 years.
Treatment of aortic valve stenosis is heart surgery to replace or repair the valve. However, in patients who cannot undergo heart surgery, the valve may need to be expanded with a balloon. The benefits of this repair last for approximately 6-12 months. This procedure is performed solely to relieve the patient's problems arising from the stenosis of the valve. It is not a long-term treatment method that will eliminate the disease. This procedure is performed on patients only if they are not "suitable patients" for heart valve surgery.
What are the points to be considered before the procedure?
Start fasting the night before the procedure. (you can take your medications with a small amount of water). The area to be attempted, especially both groins, should be shaved. Female patients should not have any suspicion of pregnancy.
How is the aortic valve expansion performed with a balloon?
The patient's groin is cleaned with antiseptic liquids. Local anesthetic is injected into the groin area to numb that area. After numbness is achieved, the needle is inserted into the artery passing through the groin area. With a special technique, a plastic tube system is placed where the needle enters, which will remain throughout the procedure and will be removed at the end of the procedure, through which the balloon can be advanced. A long guidewire is advanced along the vein towards the heart until it reaches the valve. The doctor uses a device (scopy) that uses x-rays to see the wire. After the wire is placed in the right place, the balloon is advanced over the wire and the narrowed cap is removed. It is placed inside and inflated. Thus, the cover is expanded as much as possible. The balloon can be inflated several times. At the end of the procedure, the guide wire and balloon are removed. The plastic pipe system placed in the groin is removed after a while and a sandbag is placed on the attempted area, applying pressure for a while.
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