Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV)

What is Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV)?

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) is a procedure used to treat aortic valve stenosis, a condition in which the valve that controls blood flow from the heart's left ventricle to the body's main artery (aorta) becomes narrow. During the procedure, a balloon-tipped catheter is used to stretch the valve and improve blood flow.

Benefits of BAV

This procedure can help reduce the symptoms of aortic stenosis and improve heart function. This can help patients go on to have an aortic valve replacement or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). A BAV can also help if you are waiting for heart surgery.

Checking After Surgery

Once the procedure is complete, you will be taken to the cath lab recovery unit for observation. A drip will be put into your arm so you can be given medication and fluids, and we will also monitor your heart's rate and rhythm. Once you are well enough, we will take you back to the cardiology unit.

Before we let you go home, we will do a blood test and an echocardiogram to check your heart and kidney functions, and we will also get you to walk for a short distance to make sure that where the incision was made has healed well enough.

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