Access point: The procedure begins with the insertion of a thin, flexible catheter into a blood vessel, usually in the groin (femoral artery or vein) or arm (radial artery).

Catheter guidance: The catheter is guided through the blood vessel to the heart, and then to the affected valve under imaging guidance such as fluoroscopy.

Balloon inflation: Once the catheter is positioned at the narrowed valve, a balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated. This widens the valve and improves blood flow.

Balloon deflation and removal: After the valve is sufficiently widened, the balloon is deflated and the catheter is removed.

Aortic stenosis: Narrowing of the aortic valve, leading to restricted blood flow from the heart to the body.

Mitral stenosis: Narrowing of the mitral valve, affecting blood flow between the left atrium and left ventricle.

Pulmonary stenosis: Narrowing of the pulmonary valve, impacting blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs.

Symptom relief: Improved blood flow can relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue.

Minimally invasive: The procedure is less invasive than open-heart surgery, allowing for quicker recovery times.

Temporary solution: It can serve as a bridge to more definitive treatment such as valve replacement, especially in patients who are not immediate candidates for surgery.

Bleeding: Potential at the access point or within the heart.

Infection: Risk associated with any catheter-based procedure.

Valve damage: The valve may be injured or become leaky as a result of the procedure.

Re-narrowing: The valve may re-narrow over time, requiring additional treatment.