St. Luke's Heart Valve Clinic

Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty (BAV)
Some patients with stenosis of their aortic valve may be ineligible for surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement due to physical limitations. For these patients, balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) may be used to help alleviate their symptoms and provide temporary improvement. Some patients may improve enough to then go on to have their valve replaced.

This procedure is performed in the cardiac catheterization lab by an interventional cardiologist and is similar to a heart catheterization. A balloon tipped catheter is advanced from the leg artery over a wire and across the aortic valve. Once across the aortic valve, the balloon is inflated to "stretch open" the thickened valve to allow it open wider. The balloon is then deflated and removed.

To schedule a new patient or to be evaluated for this procedure, please call our Valve Coordinator at 314-205-6396 or email at heart.valve@stlukes-stl.com​.