Balloon valvuloplasty is a technique used to improve the function of stenotic valves. The most common stenosis we see is pulmonic stenosis. Patients with marked pulmonic stenosis usually present with a systolic heart murmur. Untreated, the pressure in the right ventricle can be very high, which results in myocardial damage and subsequently arrhythmias and/or heart failure. Patients will develop syncope, exercise intolerance and/or ascites over time or they can suffer from sudden cardiac death. Performing a balloon valvuloplasty will dramatically improve the function of the abnormal valve, improving life expectancy and alleviating clinical signs.

The earlier in life the intervention is performed the better the chances for a good outcome. In addition, the use of high-pressure balloons has an impact on the outcome. At SCVS we exclusively use high-quality, high-pressure balloons for these procedures to achieve the best possible outcome.

Our percutaneous technique allows for rapid recovery and patients are usually discharged the following day.

Besides the pulmonic valve, there are also other heart valves such as the aortic valve or tricuspid valve and other obstructions like a Cor Triatriatum Dexter which can be approached by balloon valvuloplasty if indicated.

Key facts

• Only high-quality, high-pressure balloons are used to achieve the best possible outcome
• Percutaneous technique with very short recovery time
• Early diagnosis and treatment are important for a successful outcome

Bradyarrhythmias as AV-block or Sinusarrest, often require implantation of a pacemaker to restore a normal heart rate. Untreated, these conditions lead to exercise intolerance, syncope, heart failure or even sudden cardiac death. More commonly, these problems are found in older patients, but are sometimes also seen in younger patients.

Implantation of a pacemaker provides patients usually with a normal quality of life. Clinical signs like exercise intolerance and syncope will disappear.

Many different pacemaker systems exist. More commonly, single chamber pacemaker systems, with only one pacemaker lead in the right ventricle, are fitted in dogs.

This is probably sufficient for many patients and takes care of the risk of sudden cardiac death. Nevertheless, implantation of the more complex dual chamber pacemaker units which we also offer at SCVS can be beneficial in certain patients and could result in a superior outcome. 

Implantation of pacemakers is performed via cutdown to the jugular vein. The vein is used to feed the electrode(s) into the heart. The pacemaker itself is then positioned subcutaneously in the neck area. Implantation is therefore very minimally invasive, and patients can usually be discharged 1-2 days following surgery.

Optimal programming of the pacemaker is essential for best results. We are running pacemaker clinics, a cooperation with human electrophysiologists, to ensure pacemakers for all our patients are set in the best possible way.

Key facts

• SCVS offers the option of single and dual chamber pacemakers to achieve best results for all patients
• Predominant use of active electrodes to minimise the risk of lead dislodgement

• Pacemaker clinics with electrophysiologist to ensure best possible pacemaker programming