Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement

If your child’s pulmonary valve isn’t working properly, our team can often replace it without another open-heart surgery. TVP replacement uses a small catheter to insert a new valve, restoring healthy blood flow from the heart to the lungs with less pain, faster recovery, and lasting results.
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Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (also called percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement) is a minimally invasive treatment that replaces a failing pulmonary valve through a catheter rather than open surgery, helping to restore proper blood flow, reduce pressure on the heart, and improve quality of life. 

The pulmonary valve directs blood from the heart to the lungs. Over time, this valve can narrow (stenosis) or leak (regurgitation), especially in children who’ve had previous procedures for congenital heart disease. When that happens, your child may tire easily, feel short of breath, or notice decreased stamina. 

At University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, our interventional cardiologists specialize in transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement, a minimally invasive procedure that replaces a damaged valve through a thin tube, eliminating the need for open-heart surgery. This advanced approach helps your child recover quickly, with fewer scars and a shorter hospital stay. 

Our approach to transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement

Your child’s procedure is carefully planned by our cardiac catheterization and interventional cardiology team, led by specialists who perform these complex interventions for infants, children, and adults. 

We start with detailed imaging — such as echocardiography, MRI, or CT scans — to decide if a transcatheter valve is the best option. During the procedure, a soft catheter is inserted into a vein in the leg and guided to the heart using real-time imaging. Once in position, the new valve is expanded and begins working immediately. 

Throughout the process, our pediatric anesthesiologists, cardiac surgeons, and ICU staff are on standby to ensure your child’s safety. The procedure usually takes a few hours, and most patients return home within 24 to 48 hours. 

What to expect

Before valve replacement, we perform a full evaluation to ensure safety and accuracy. This may include: 

  • Echocardiography. Ultrasound imaging to assess valve function and heart structure. 

You and your child will also meet the care team to review what to expect and how to prepare.  

On the day of the procedure: 

  • Your child will receive anesthesia to sleep comfortably. 
  • Our team will insert the catheter through a vein, guide the new valve into place, and assess its function before finishing. 
  • Afterward, your child will stay in the hospital overnight for monitoring. 

You’ll be updated throughout the procedure, and your cardiologist will review the results with you afterward. Most children feel stronger within days, returning to regular activity quickly and with improved energy. 

Who can benefit from TPV replacement

Children, teens, and adults with congenital heart disease who have previously undergone heart procedures often develop pulmonary valve problems as they grow. Your child may benefit from this procedure if your child: 

  • Has narrowing or leakage of the pulmonary valve after congenital heart surgery 
  • Needs repeated valve replacements but want to avoid additional open-heart procedures 
  • Experiences symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or reduced exercise tolerance 
  • Has Tetralogy of Fallot or pulmonary atresia 
  • Has had prior right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction 
  • Has a bioprosthetic valve or conduit that has degenerated over time

Our pediatric interventional cardiology team evaluates each case individually to determine the safest and most effective approach for your child. 

We are here for your family

Your child’s procedure is supported by a multidisciplinary team including interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and technologists. We offer: 

  • Access to the newest transcatheter valve technologies 
  • Hybrid catheter–surgical options for complex anatomy 
  • A full spectrum of pediatric and adult congenital heart services for lifelong follow-up 

Families from across Iowa and the region choose us because we combine leading technology with a focus on comfort, communication, and safety at every step. 

Want to learn if your child is a candidate for transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement?

Call [number] to schedule a consultation with our interventional cardiology team.
Call 1-888-573-5437

Locations and Offices

Pediatric Specialty Clinic (2 JPP)
2800 John Pappajohn Pavilion (JPP)
Elevator I, Level 2
1-319-356-2229
Clinic
Pediatric Specialty Clinic Main Entrance
In Stead Family Children's Hospital
200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242