How is valvuloplasty done?

• A catheter is inserted either into an artery in the groin or in the elbow after the area is numbed with a local anaesthetic.
• Once the catheter is positioned, a contrast dye is injected through it which reveals the areas of narrowing, with the help of the X-ray images.
• A balloon-tipped catheter is then inserted through the first catheter and is slowly guided into the heart under the guidance of a video monitor and x-ray.
• The deflated balloon is positioned in the valve opening, and inflated repeatedly to widen the valve's opening by splitting the valve leaflets apart.
• Once the valve is widened, the balloon-tipped catheter is removed.