Balloon valvuloplasty, also called valvotomy, is performed to open a diseased stenotic valve. During this procedure, the patient is usually awake. However, sedation is given to help with relaxation, and local anesthesia is given to numb the area of entry. A catheter is inserted through a blood vessel, typically the femoral artery, and passed along up into the aorta. When the catheter has reached the stenotic valve, its balloon tip is then inflated by the surgeon until the valves open up. The valves are forced to open to a diameter of a “normal size of 3 to 4 cm2 (about the size of a nickel)” ( Grimard, Larson 2008), which is necessary for adequate perfusion of blood. The balloon is deflated and the catheter is removed from the femoral. Valvuloplasty…show more content… They are taken to the intensive care unit to be closely monitored for a couple of days and can be in the hospital for as long as a week. During this time, patients are encouraged to walk around with the assistance of a health-care personnel. “In the high-risk cohort, both New York Heart Association class and 6-minute walk test favored TAVR at 30 days” ( Holmes & Mack 2012). Those who TAVR was opted for also had decreased hospital stay compared to those with had surgical valve replacement. Depending on what type of treatment is chosen, recovery time can take up to eight weeks. At this time, patients are instructed to allow their bodies to heal and are not required to go to work. Postoperative follow-up is important to assure that healing is progressive and no infection or other adverse effects have occurred. For the first 30 days post surgery, patients are closely monitored by the physician to follow-up on any post-op complications. Evaluations includes a post-TAVR baseline echocardiogram and ECG to document any conduction abnormalities that may occur during that time period. Follow-up is then continued at 6-months, a year, then annually if no adverse reactions appear. Under a physician’s guidelines, they are encouraged to follow a moderate exercise regimen to help with recovery time, and to stay away from exertion as that can cause a rip in the sutures. Patients are informed that an alteration in lifestyle may be warranted. They highly encouraged to follow a heart-healthy nutrition plan to get the most of their treatment. If a mechanical valve was chosen for the patient, anticoagulants must be taken for the rest of their lives. They must reduce their risk of falls and also opt for electric razors instead of regular razors for shaving because they are at increased risk for