Balloon Mitral Valvotomy (BMV) is a medical procedure used to treat mitral stenosis, a condition where the mitral valve in the heart becomes narrowed, restricting the flow of blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Mitral stenosis is often a result of rheumatic heart disease.

The goal of BMV is to relieve the obstruction caused by the narrowed mitral valve and improve blood flow. Here’s an overview of the procedure:

1. Indications:
   • BMV is typically considered for patients with symptomatic mitral stenosis who have suitable valve anatomy. Symptoms of mitral stenosis may include shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest discomfort.
2. Procedure:
   • BMV is a catheter-based procedure performed in a cardiac catheterization laboratory. The patient is usually awake but sedated.
   • A catheter (a thin, flexible tube) with a balloon at its tip is threaded through blood vessels, usually from the groin to the heart.
   • The catheter is guided to the narrowed mitral valve.
   • Once in position, the balloon is inflated, stretching the valve leaflets and separating them to improve blood flow.
   • The balloon is then deflated, and the catheter is removed.

3. Mechanism of Action:

• • The inflation of the balloon during BMV helps to break or tear the fused valve leaflets, widening the opening of the mitral valve. This process is known as valvuloplasty.

4. Benefits:

• • BMV is a less invasive alternative to open-heart surgery for selected patients with mitral stenosis.
  • It can provide immediate relief of symptoms associated with mitral stenosis, such as shortness of breath.

5. Risks and Complications:

• • While BMV is generally considered safe, it carries risks like any medical procedure. Potential complications may include damage to the mitral valve, embolization of debris, and the development of new mitral regurgitation (leakage of blood backward through the valve).

6. Follow-Up:

• • Patients typically undergo follow-up evaluations, including echocardiograms, to assess the effectiveness of the procedure and monitor for any complications.

It’s important to note that not all patients with mitral stenosis are suitable candidates for BMV, and the decision to perform the procedure is made based on individual patient characteristics. The choice between BMV and other treatment options, such as mitral valve replacement, depends on factors such as the severity of the mitral stenosis, the patient’s overall health, and the anatomy of the mitral valve. The decision is typically made by a team of cardiac specialists.