What does BAV mean in PHYSIOLOGY

Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat a narrowed aortic valve. The procedure uses a small balloon on the end of a catheter tube, which is inserted through an artery in the groin and threaded through the heart to the aortic valve. When the balloon reaches the valve, it’s inflated briefly to widen it and help blood flow more easily.

The success rate for BAV varies from person to person, but in general, it can improve symptoms associated with an aortic valve that has become narrow. Furthermore, BAV can reverse or stop further progression of some forms of valvular diseases caused by narrowing of the aortic valve.

On average, BAV takes 1-2 hours to perform. This time includes preparation for the procedure as well as monitoring afterwards. It may vary depending on factors like how severe the narrowing is and how experienced your doctor is with this specific procedure.

As with all procedures involving insertion of instruments into your body, there are possible risks that come along with BAV such as bleeding, infection and damage to surrounding parts of your body due to rupturing of instruments during insertion. Other potential risks include stroke or heart attack caused by dislodged plaque or blockage due to air getting into circulation during insertion.

After undergoing BAV you should expect to have some soreness due to where catheter was inserted and temporary swelling at insertion site, although this varies depending on individual’s case. You will be monitored during recovery period and likely asked about any unusual symptoms you may experience afterwards such as chest pain or shortness of breath. Your doctor will also likely prescribe medications for inflammation and pain relief as needed after surgery.

Generally speaking, people over 18 years old can benefit from BAV however there are some cases where younger patients may need this type of treatment if their condition warrants it. Ultimately it depends on severity and other factors determined by your cardiologist or physician in charge of your care during evaluation stage prior to surgery.

If BAV does not provide desired results then you may require another procedure such as traditional open-heart surgery called an “aortic valve replacement” (AVR). During an AVR, doctors will cut open your chest in order to replace narrowed/stiffened parts of damaged valve with either mechanical prosthesis made metal or biological tissue taken from animal sources like pigs or cows; this decision is usually made based off individual patient situation in consultation with doctor(s) in charge prior to performing surgery itself.

Before undertaking BAV you should discuss any questions you have regarding medication usage including any potential side effects they might cause when coupled together prior/during/after procedure; make sure all required preoperative paperwork has been filled out properly beforehand; understand implications concerning lifestyle change that might be necessary after surgery; understand details outlining financial responsibility concerning costs related pre-surgery screening/tests/preparations/procedure itself; ensure that somebody reliable available drive you home afterwards since anesthesia could affect ability drive safely afterwards.

Eligibility for BAV depends on several factors such as age (18+), overall health condition (good or fair), amount fo calcium build up at sites(low) in addition various tests performed by physician order determine degree narrowing present at valves normal size & shape other cardiac measurements.