Pulmonary Heart Valve Disease | MedStar Health

Conditions that affect blood flow from the heart to the Lungs

Normally, blood flows through the pulmonary valve as it passes from the heart into the lungs. Pulmonary valve disease includes several conditions that can decrease the supply of oxygen to the rest of the body, such as:

Our Structural Heart and Valvular Disease Program evaluates and cares for pulmonary valve disease. In many cases, we can treat these conditions with a minimally invasive approach, avoiding the need for open-chest surgery.

Tests

Diagnosing your specific type of disease is the first step to developing a treatment plan. Our specialists may recommend one or more diagnostic and imaging procedures.

Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat a variety of heart and vascular conditions by guiding thin, flexible tubes called catheters through blood vessels to problem areas.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, measures the heart’s electrical activity.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology used to create images of your heart and blood vessels.

Treatments

Treatment depends on your particular disease type and its severity. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend repairing or replacing your pulmonary valve.

Pulmonary Valve Repair and Replacement

Pulmonary valve repair and replacement procedures include minimally invasive and traditional surgery, as well as several types of replacement material.

Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement (TPVR)

Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) is a minimally invasive option to replace a damaged pulmonary valve that reduces blood flow from the heart to the lungs.

Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute

Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.