What Is Balloon Mitral Valvotomy (BMV)?
Balloon Mitral Valvotomy (BMV, also called PTMC) is a non-surgical procedure to open a narrowed mitral valve using a balloon passed through a catheter.
Why Is Balloon Mitral Valvotomy Done? — Indications
It is done to treat mitral stenosis (a narrowed mitral valve), usually caused by rheumatic heart disease, which blocks blood flow between the chambers of the heart.
Who May Need Balloon Mitral Valvotomy?
It is for patients with significant mitral stenosis and a suitable valve shape — often young adults with rheumatic heart disease.
Types / Variations of Balloon Mitral Valvotomy
Inoue-balloon BMV
The most widely used technique, with a single special balloon.
Double-balloon technique
Two balloons are used side by side in selected cases.
Repeat BMV
If the valve narrows again years later, a repeat procedure may be possible when the valve is still suitable.
BMV in pregnancy
In selected pregnant women with severe symptoms, BMV can be done with careful radiation protection.
Your cardiologist will tell you which type or technique is right for you after reviewing your reports.
Benefits of Balloon Mitral Valvotomy
It relieves breathlessness and other symptoms, improves blood flow, and avoids open valve surgery in suitable patients.
How Balloon Mitral Valvotomy Is Performed
A catheter is passed from the groin vein to the heart and across to the mitral valve, and a special balloon is inflated to split open the fused valve flaps. It is done in the cath lab.
Preparation Before Balloon Mitral Valvotomy
Preparation includes an echo (sometimes a special echo from the food-pipe) and blood tests, like other catheter procedures.
Tests Required Before Balloon Mitral Valvotomy
- 2D Echo — to check pumping (EF) and the valves
- TEE (echo from the food-pipe) — to see the valve or hole closely and rule out a clot
- 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 Mitral Valvotomy
Local anaesthesia at the groin, usually with mild sedation. You stay awake or lightly drowsy.
How Long Does Balloon Mitral Valvotomy Take?
Usually about 45–90 minutes.
Hospital Stay / Admission for Balloon Mitral Valvotomy
Usually 1–3 days.
Risks & Possible Complications of Balloon Mitral Valvotomy
It is generally safe, with a small risk of a valve leak, a clot, or the need for further treatment.
Recovery After Balloon Mitral Valvotomy
The hospital stay is short with a quick return to normal activity.
Aftercare & Precautions After Balloon Mitral Valvotomy
- Take every medicine exactly as prescribed — never stop blood thinners on your own.
- With rheumatic heart disease, continue the penicillin injections or tablets exactly as prescribed.
- 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.
- Keep every follow-up visit and bring your discharge summary and reports.
Success / Expected Outcomes of Balloon Mitral Valvotomy
When the valve is suitable, BMV widens the valve opening well in most patients, with quick relief from breathlessness. Many patients stay well for years, with regular echo follow-up.
When to Seek Medical Help After Balloon Mitral 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
- Sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg, or difficulty speaking — this is an emergency
- Fainting, dizziness, or a very fast or very slow heartbeat
- Bleeding, swelling or increasing pain at the puncture site — press firmly on it and call us
- Fever, or redness, warmth or discharge at the wound
Balloon Mitral Valvotomy — Questions Patients Ask
No. It is a catheter-based (keyhole) procedure done without opening the chest.
Most often rheumatic fever during childhood.
It gives long-lasting relief in suitable patients; some may need repeat treatment or surgery years later.
At Prathmesh Cardiac Institute, NH-30, Amlidih Road, Deopuri, Raipur. Balloon Mitral 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 Mitral 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 Mitral 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 Mitral 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.