Definition of Stenosis, pulmonary

Stenosis, pulmonary: The pulmonary valve is too tight so that the flow of blood from the right ventricle of the heart into the pulmonary artery is impeded. This means the right ventricle must pump harder than normal to overcome the obstruction. If the stenosis is severe, babies may become blue (cyanotic). Older children often have no symptoms. Treatment is needed if the pressure in the right ventricle is higher than normal. The obstruction can usually be relieved by a procedure called balloon valvuloplasty or by open heart surgery during which the stenotic valve is opened. The outlook after either procedure is favorable.