What is valvuloplasty? Valvuloplasty is a surgical procedure to reconstruct the normal valve structure and restore its normal physiological function. Which valve diseases are eligible for valvuloplasty? Valvuloplasty is currently referred to clinically for mitral and tricuspid valve lesions. How is valve disease properly diagnosed? Valve disease is very common and is diagnosed clinically by the following methods: 1) clinical auscultation: typical heart murmurs can be heard in the respective valve auscultation areas of the precordial region and are often used as a primary screening method for the diagnosis of valve disease; 2) chest radiographs and electrocardiograms: the most basic means of examination and play an auxiliary role in the diagnosis of valve disease; 3) echocardiography: the most direct imaging method for definitive diagnosis Echocardiography is the most direct and definitive diagnostic imaging method that can provide accurate information on the cause and extent of valve lesions and guide the surgeon in selecting the most appropriate treatment for the patient. What is the important role of echocardiography in valvuloplasty? Because valvuloplasty is a technically challenging procedure that requires echocardiography (transesophageal ultrasound), its role is reflected in the following two areas: 1) to provide a detailed understanding of the anatomic changes and the extent of the lesion before valvuloplasty and to help the surgeon finalize the surgical plan. Because transesophageal ultrasound provides a clearer picture of the anatomy of the heart than transthoracic ultrasound, and because the transesophageal ultrasound probe is inserted after anesthesia, the patient does not experience any discomfort from the insertion of the tube. 2, Immediately after the valvuloplasty procedure, ultrasound can be used to understand the results of the procedure, and if the results are unsatisfactory, they can be corrected immediately, or the procedure can be changed. In short, echocardiography can provide the greatest benefit to the safety and efficacy of the valvuloplasty procedure. How does valvuloplasty differ from traditional valve replacement surgery? The advantages of valvuloplasty are: (1) low operative mortality; (2) good recovery of cardiac function and high postoperative quality of life; (3) no prosthetic valve-related complications; (4) no need for lifelong anticoagulation, so there are no complications caused by improper anticoagulation, such as thrombosis or bleeding from vital organs; (5) normal pregnancy and delivery, especially for women with childbearing requirements. (6) Valvuloplasty is the repair of a diseased valve without the need to place an artificial heart valve, which greatly saves the cost of surgery and reduces the burden on the patient, which is very suitable for our national conditions. In addition, in patients with tricuspid valve insufficiency, valve replacement can easily lead to valve malfunction due to the small pressure step difference between the right atrium and the right ventricle. In addition, valve replacement may lead to conduction block. Tricuspid valvuloplasty can avoid these potentially fatal complications.