Pulmonary valve stenosis

Pulmonary valve stenosis is a narrowing of the valve between the lower right heart chamber and the pulmonary artery, which carries blood from the heart to the lungs. It is a structural problem that develops before a baby is born or at birth (congenital heart defect).

Because the valve is narrow, the heart pumps harder to try to get enough blood through it. The narrower the valve, the more symptoms the baby will have.

Treatment for pulmonary valve stenosis may include percutaneous balloon pulmonary dilation (valvuloplasty) to open up the valve. Surgical repair of the defect (heart valve surgery) may be performed when the child has reached preschool age. Medications may be given to maintain the blood flow or to otherwise improve heart function and blood flow.