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:
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Pulmonary atresia, a condition present at birth that blocks blood from reaching the lungs
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Pulmonary regurgitation, a leakage of blood back into the heart before it reaches the lungs
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Pulmonary stenosis, a narrowing of the pulmonary valve that slows blood flow
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.
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How Heart Valves Work
The heart is a beating muscle that pumps blood throughout the body. Inside, the heart four valves open and close in precise sequence to keep the blood moving in the appropriate direction.
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Valvular Stenosis
If a valve becomes narrow, stiff or thickened, the heart must work harder to force blood through the smaller opening. A valve that has become narrowed or thickened can compromise blood flow. This condition is called valvular stenosis.
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Valvular Regurgitation
A malformed or damaged valve may not close properly, allowing blood to leak backwards. This condition is called valvular regurgitation or valvular insufficiency.
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.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Tamara Ashvetiya, MD
Cardiology
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Kusay Barakat, MD
Cardiology
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Valeriani R Bead, MD
Cardiology
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Kathryn S. Beaudoin, AGACNP-BC
Cardiology
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Jee Young Choi, AGACNP
Cardiology
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Abigail Escalona Davenport, ACNP-BC
Cardiology
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Margaret Harvey Granitto, CRNP
Cardiology
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Kristina Marie Hidalgo, ACNP-BC
Cardiology
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Wahu Kinyanjui Johnson, AGACNP-BC
Cardiology
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Adinath A Patil, MBBS
Cardiology
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Alexander Ryzhikov, MD
Cardiology
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Virginia E. Seay, FNP-BC
Cardiology
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Amish V Shah, MD
Cardiology
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Jacquelyn Marie Smith, PA-C
Cardiology
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Newton Edison Andrews, MD
Cardiology
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Ieon Lloyd Osborne Dawson, MD
Cardiology
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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.