In balloon valvuloplasty, the practitioner chooses an appropriate-sized balloon-tipped catheter using the following formula:

Alternatively, the practitioner may directly measure the value diameter using two-dimensional echocardiography.² The practitioner then inserts the balloon-tipped catheter through the patient’s femoral vein or artery using a sheath, threads it into the heart, and locates the stenotic valve.

After locating the stenotic valve, the practitioner inflates the balloon, which increases the size of the valve opening.