But if left untreated for many years, it may produce problems. The right ventricle, which pumps blood into the lungs, now is forced to work harder against the blocked pulmonary valve. But even the stronger right ventricle cannot keep up this heavy work forever. At this stage, urgent treatment becomes necessary, and carries a higher risk. So although PS is usually not an emergency, it is advisable to seek treatment early rather than delaying the process till complications set in.
Balloon dilatation is effective in most cases, and has lesser morbidity than surgery.
The catheter is introduced through a small needle-stick in the groin or forearm, and guided into the heart. In Pulmonary Stenosis, the catheter is passed into the right atrium, through the right ventricle, and finally pushed across the narrow pulmonary valve. The catheter is placed just across the narrow pulmonary valve, and the balloon is inflated. When the narrowing is only at the pulmonary valve, there is almost complete relief. And it avoids the drawbacks of surgery - pain, a scar on the chest, longer hospital stay, and higher cost.