What is it?
Valvotomy is a procedure in which a doctor stretches a heart valve or breaks the obstructions in a valve that don't allow normal flow. Heart valves need to function properly. They direct the flow of blood through the chambers of the heart and to the rest of the body.

When is it used?

The doctor may perform this procedure if you have a scarred valve that blocks the flow of blood to the lungs, to other chambers of the heart, or to the body. This procedure is not the answer for all people with blocked valves. The procedure can be done for aortic, mitral and pulmonary valves.

Examples of alternatives to this procedure are:

• replacing the valve
• repairing the valve with open-chest surgery
• choosing not to have above treatment but continue with drugs while recognizing the risks of this approach.