Persistent breathlessness after a pulmonary embolism, or a diagnosis involving blocked lung arteries that surgeons consider too risky to operate on, can leave patients feeling that few options remain. Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is a catheter-based approach that is increasingly discussed as a non-surgical alternative for selected patients. This article explains what BPA involves, who may be considered for it, and how to approach the search for Pulmonary Embolism Treatment with confidence. What Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty Involves BPA is a minimally invasive procedure in which a thin tube, called a catheter, is guided through a vein to the narrowed arteries within the lungs. A small balloon is then inflated at the narrowed segment to widen the vessel and improve blood flow. The procedure is often performed in stages rather than all at once, with different areas of the lungs treated across separate sessions. This staged approach allows the care team to monitor how the l...
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure to replace a diseased aortic valve. It is a newer procedure than traditional open-heart surgery to replace the aortic valve, and it has become increasingly popular in recent years. The aortic valve is one of four valves in the heart that control the flow of blood. It is located between the left ventricle and the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. If the aortic valve becomes narrowed or stiff, it can make it difficult for the heart to pump blood efficiently. This can lead to a condition called aortic stenosis. TAVR is a good option for patients with aortic stenosis who are at high risk for complications from open-heart surgery. This may include patients with other medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease or lung disease, or older patients. During TAVR, a doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube called a catheter through a small incision in the groin, chest...