The main symptom is shortness of breath on exertion and later also at rest (dyspnea). In addition, water retention in the legs (edema) may occur.
The following preparatory examinations are necessary: Cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography), cardiac catheter diagnostics with imaging of the coronary vessels and, if necessary, measurement of the pressure values in the pulmonary circulation. A prerequisite is anatomical suitability of the mitral valve stenosis. The valve leaflets must not be heavily calcified and there should be no relevant leakage of the mitral valve.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and mainly under ultrasound guidance (transesophageal echocardiography). A special balloon catheter (Inoue balloon) is positioned over the leg vein and over the atrial septum in the area of the narrowed mitral valve. The balloon is inflated with pressure, thereby enlarging the opening of the mitral valve. The catheter system is then removed and the puncture site in the leg vein is sutured. The procedure takes about 30 minutes.
After the intervention, monitoring is necessary for at least six hours, and bed rest with a pressure dressing should be maintained for approximately three hours. In total, an inpatient stay of at least one to two nights must be expected.
You can either register yourself or be referred by your primary care physician, specialist.
University Hospital Zurich
Universitäres Herzzentrum Zürich
Rämistrasse 100
8091 Zürich