Percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy (PBMV) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat mitral valve stenosis, a condition where the mitral valve in the heart is narrowed, impairing blood flow between the left atrium and the left ventricle.
During a PBMV procedure, a thin catheter with a deflated balloon at its tip is inserted into a blood vessel, typically through the groin. The catheter is guided to the site of the mitral valve using X-ray imaging and advanced imaging techniques. Once in position, the balloon is inflated, which helps to widen the narrowed valve opening. It stretches the rigid valve leaflets, separating them and improving blood flow through the valve.
It can provide immediate relief of symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. Additionally, PBMV can improve heart function and reduce the risk of complications associated with severe mitral valve stenosis.
