Heart valve treatment before birth for valve narrowing

This research study is following families who have a baby diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis—a condition where the heart valve that controls blood flow is too narrow. The study compares two groups: babies whose families choose to have a fetal balloon dilation procedure (a minimally invasive treatment done before birth) and babies whose families do not have this procedure. Researchers want to understand how this early treatment affects the baby's heart development and long-term health outcomes.

Aortic valve stenosis can affect how the left side of the heart develops during pregnancy, and in severe cases the heart may not grow enough to work properly after birth. This study exists to find out whether treating the narrowed valve before birth helps the left heart structures grow better and improves outcomes for babies after they are born.