This type of valvuloplasty is a heart valve procedure in which your doctor repairs one or more valves in your heart by surgery. The doctor may perform this procedure if you have one or more valves that do not work well. They may be scarred, they may leak, or they may not close or open all the way. The defective valves may disrupt the flow of blood to your lungs or body. Before surgical valvuloplasty, your doctor may recommend that you have a heart catheterization.
Heart catheterization is performed under local anesthesia.
A dye is injected through the tube and a series of x-rays are taken to show how the blood flows through the arteries to your heart. The x-rays show the blockages in your blood vessels. During the catheterization, your doctor may also measure the pumping action of your heart. From this test, your doctor can learn the strength of your heart's pumping action as well as if there are leaks in the heart valves. Plan for your care and recovery after the operation.