CPT® Code 92987

Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at treating stenosis, which refers to the narrowing of heart valves that can impede blood flow. This procedure can be performed on various heart valves, including the mitral valve, aortic valve, and pulmonary valve. The technique involves accessing the heart through a blood vessel, typically one of the femoral arteries located in the groin. The skin over the access site is prepared, and a needle is used to puncture the artery, followed by the placement of a sheath to facilitate the introduction of instruments. Continuous imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy, is utilized throughout the procedure to ensure accurate placement of the guidewire and catheter. The guidewire is carefully navigated through the aorta and into the heart, reaching the site of the narrowed valve. Once positioned, the catheter allows for the measurement of intracardiac and intra-arterial pressures, which are critical for assessing the severity of the stenosis. After obtaining these measurements, contrast dye is injected to visualize the valve and surrounding structures through angiography. The procedure culminates in the inflation of a balloon within the valve annulus, which dilates the valve to improve blood flow. This dilation may be repeated multiple times to achieve optimal results, and post-dilation pressures are measured to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure.