The Pulmonary Valve

Pulmonary Valve Conditions

Pulmonary Atresia

Pulmonary atresia is a condition where the valve remains closed therefore, blood cannot flow between the right pumping chamber (right ventricle) into the lungs to pick up oxygen

Tetralogy of Fallot

A condition which refers to four heart defects that usually occur together;

Ventricular septal defect – a hole between the left and right ventricle
Pulmonary valve stenosis – narrowing of the pulmonary valve
Right ventricular hypertrophy – where the muscle of the right ventricle is thickened
Overriding aorta – The aorta sits over the left and right ventricles instead of just the left ventricle

Double Outlet Right Ventricle

A condition in which both main arteries, one that carries blood to the lungs (main pulmonary artery) and one that carries blood to the rest of the body (aorta), are connected to the right ventricle.

Pulmonary Valve Failure

Over time, mineral deposits may build up on the valve (calcification), and it may become narrowed and/or leaky. This may happen as it wears out from the pressures of pumping blood.

Pulmonary Stenosis

Pulmonary valve stenosis is a defect where the pulmonary valve, which controls the flow of blood out of the right heart pumping chamber (the right ventricle) to the lungs, is narrower than normal. This means the right ventricle has to work harder to push blood through the narrowed valve to get to the lungs.

Pulmonary Regurgitation

Pulmonary valve regurgitation is where some blood flows backwards in the heart because the valve does not close properly. This causes the heart to pump harder than it should to bring blood to the lungs and the rest of your body.

Symptoms

Shortness of Breath

Lethargic

Irregular Heart Beats

Dizziness & Fainting

Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Treatment Options

Surgical Valve
Replacement

The treatment for a narrow or leaking pulmonary valve is heart surgery. The surgeon removes the narrowed or leaky valve and replaces it with a new valve.

Balloon Valvuloplasty

During this procedure, a thin, hollow tube (catheter) is inserted into a vein (typically in your leg) and guided to your heart. A deflated balloon is placed through the opening of the narrowed valve. Your doctor then inflates
the balloon, which stretches the narrowed valve open so that blood may flow better.

Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement

During this minimally invasive procedure, a catheter holding a artificial heart valve is inserted through a small tube and guided to the intended location in your heart. Once the valve has reached the correct location, the valve will be released from the catheter and self-expands, which should immediately begin to work and help control blood flow.