What Is Balloon Aortic Valvotomy (BAV)?
Balloon Aortic Valvotomy (BAV) is a balloon procedure to open a narrowed aortic valve without surgery.
Why Is Balloon Aortic Valvotomy Done? — Indications
It is done to relieve severe aortic stenosis — often as a bridge (temporary step) before TAVI or surgery, or in children and young patients with aortic narrowing present from birth.
Who May Need Balloon Aortic Valvotomy?
It is for selected patients with aortic stenosis — especially children and young adults, or very sick patients as a temporary measure.
Types / Variations of Balloon Aortic Valvotomy
BAV in children and young adults
For aortic narrowing present from birth — often delays or avoids surgery for years.
BAV as a bridge
In very sick adults, it stabilises the heart before TAVI or valve surgery.
Palliative BAV
For relief of symptoms when a valve replacement is not possible.
Your cardiologist will tell you which type or technique is right for you after reviewing your reports.
Benefits of Balloon Aortic Valvotomy
It quickly relieves severe narrowing, is useful in emergencies and in young patients, and buys time for definitive treatment.
How Balloon Aortic Valvotomy Is Performed
A catheter with a balloon is guided to the aortic valve and inflated to widen it. It is a catheter-based procedure done in the cath lab.
Preparation Before Balloon Aortic Valvotomy
Preparation includes echo, CT or angiography, and the usual catheter-procedure preparation.
Tests Required Before Balloon Aortic Valvotomy
- 2D Echo — to check pumping (EF) and the valves
- CT scan or angiography, as advised
- Blood tests — haemoglobin, kidney function (creatinine), blood sugar and clotting profile
- ECG — to record the heart's rhythm on the day
- Infection screening (HIV, hepatitis B and C) as per hospital protocol
Your doctor will tell you exactly which tests you need — bring all previous reports, CDs and your medicine list.
Anaesthesia / Sedation Used in Balloon Aortic Valvotomy
Adults usually get local anaesthesia with sedation; children usually need general anaesthesia or deep sedation.
How Long Does Balloon Aortic Valvotomy Take?
Usually about 1 hour.
Hospital Stay / Admission for Balloon Aortic Valvotomy
Usually 1–3 days; it may be longer in very sick adults.
Risks & Possible Complications of Balloon Aortic Valvotomy
Risks include valve leak, re-narrowing over time, and rhythm problems — which is why in adults it is often a bridge rather than a permanent fix.
Recovery After Balloon Aortic Valvotomy
The hospital stay is short, and valve function is monitored afterwards.
Aftercare & Precautions After Balloon Aortic Valvotomy
- Take every medicine exactly as prescribed — never stop blood thinners on your own.
- Keep the puncture site clean and dry for 2–3 days; a little bruising is normal.
- Tell your dentist about your heart procedure — antibiotics may be needed before dental work, as your doctor advises.
- A repeat echo is done at follow-up to check how the valve or device is working.
- Children usually return to school within a few days — avoid rough play until the doctor allows.
- Keep every follow-up visit and bring your discharge summary and reports.
Success / Expected Outcomes of Balloon Aortic Valvotomy
BAV relieves the narrowing quickly. In children the benefit can last for years; in adults the valve often narrows again, so it is usually a step towards TAVI or surgery.
When to Seek Medical Help After Balloon Aortic Valvotomy
Contact us immediately — or go to the nearest emergency — if you notice any of these after going home:
- Breathlessness, or swelling of the feet that is getting worse
- Fainting, dizziness, or a very fast or very slow heartbeat
- Chest pain, pressure or tightness — especially at rest
- Bleeding, swelling or increasing pain at the puncture site — press firmly on it and call us
- In a child — poor feeding, fast breathing, unusual sleepiness or bluish lips
Balloon Aortic Valvotomy — Questions Patients Ask
In adults it is often temporary, with TAVI or surgery to follow. In children it can be a lasting treatment.
No. It is a catheter-based (keyhole) procedure.
Young or congenital cases, and very high-risk patients who need a bridge to further treatment.
At Prathmesh Cardiac Institute, NH-30, Amlidih Road, Deopuri, Raipur. Balloon Aortic Valvotomy is planned and performed by our DM Cardiology specialists in our own Cath Lab, with a 24x7 CCU for recovery. Call +91 77778 65621 to book a consultation.
Government health schemes and most insurance policies cover cardiac procedures. The exact cover depends on your scheme or policy, so our team checks it with you before the procedure and explains the costs clearly.
Why Choose Prathmesh Cardiac Institute for Balloon Aortic Valvotomy?
Experienced hands, the right equipment and honest advice — the three things that matter most for a safe procedure.
Experienced DM cardiologists
Dr. Gaurav Tripathi and Dr. Sulabh Chandrakar — experienced interventional cardiologists who perform Balloon Aortic Valvotomy regularly.
Advanced, modern Cath Lab
3D angiography with IVUS and FFR guidance — the latest equipment for safe, precise procedures.
24x7 emergency & critical care
A fully equipped CCU and an on-call cath lab team, because heart emergencies do not wait for OPD hours.
Transparent pricing & insurance help
Costs are explained clearly before the procedure, and our team helps you check what your insurance or government health scheme covers.
Complete heart care under one roof
ECG, echo, TMT, angiography, procedures and follow-up in one place — from diagnosis to treatment.
Metro-level care, close to home
The same technology and technique used in metro cardiac centres — without travelling far with a sick patient.
Specialists & Facilities Available
Your procedure is planned and performed by our senior DM Cardiology consultants. You can read their full profiles before your visit.
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Dr. Gaurav Tripathi
Interventional cardiologist trained in catheter-based heart procedures, from balloon valvotomy to complex interventions.
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Dr. Sulabh Chandrakar
Works on structural heart procedures including TAVR and balloon valve procedures, and explains every option clearly.
Facilities at Prathmesh Cardiac Institute
Book a Consultation / Procedure Appointment for Balloon Aortic Valvotomy
Call or WhatsApp us, or request a call back — our team will confirm a time and tell you what to bring. Bring your previous ECG, echo, angiography reports and current medicine list.