It opens and closes to regulate blood flow into the pulmonary artery. Stenosis means narrowing. These abnormal leaflets do not open completely, causing a narrowing of the valve. The right ventricle works harder to pump blood past the narrow valve. With time, the extra work may stress the right ventricle causing it to enlarge.
Pulmonary stenosis can vary from mild to severe.
Children with mild pulmonary stenosis usually have no symptoms. If the stenosis is very mild, surgery is usually not needed. Severe stenosis, however, can cause symptoms in infancy such as rapid breathing, poor feeding, and poor energy. The age and type of repair vary according to the severity of stenosis and symptoms it causes. This helps prevent the uncommon, but possible occurrence of bacterial infection forming on the heart lining on or near the pulmonary valve.