Mitral Valvuloplasty

I just got the results of my latest echocardiogram.  I am a 44 year old female.  The results of the test show stenosis of the mitral valve and aortic valves. The problem according to my cardiologist is that my PA systolic pressure has gone up to at least 100 Hg and probably up to 130mm Hg. The left atruim is dilated at around 5 cm.  Rheumatic thickening of the aortic cusps, The A1 is about 3 . The mitral valve area is .95 to 1.1 cm2.  There is severe TR of about 3  with severe pulmonary hypertension. There is also probably 2 to 3  pulmonic insufficiency as well.  He feels that the aortic valve is not a real problem at this time, but the pressure build up due to the mitral valve is of concern.  He believes I may be able to forstall valve repair or replacement at this time by getting a mitrl valvuloplasty which uses a balloon to break up the hardened deposits on the mitral valve.  He says this could give me another 5 to 10 years before needing any surgery.  Is this true?  Does Cleveland ever do this type of procedure and is it a viable option to me?  I currently have an appointment at Cleveland but would like to now if this is a real option for me.
Thanks, Connie

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Dear Connie,

We do perform valvuloplasty here and will be able to tell you when you come if you are indeed a candidate however, we usually reserve this procedure for individuals who are not surgical candidates or have only single valve problems.  It sounds to me as if you may do better with surgery and repair of all three valves.  Once the doctors here are able to review all your records and tests they can give you more specific advice.