Balloon valvuloplasty for aortic valve stenosis in adults and children

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on balloon valvuloplasty for aortic valve stenosis in adults and children.

This procedure is used to treat aortic valve stenosis (narrowing), which may be congenital, or may develop later in life.

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty involves dilatation of the aortic valve orifice using a balloon during cardiac catheterisation. This avoids the need for open chest surgery.

The standard treatment involves open chest surgery to perform a valvotomy, or to replace the valve.

Other (see guidance)

Cardiovascular
Surgical procedures

Cardio-thoracic surgery
Paediatric cardiology
Paediatric surgery

Interventional Procedures Programme
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
MidCity Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NA