Pulmonary Stenosis

​Pulmonary stenosis is a congenital defect (present at birth) that occurs during the first 8 weeks of fetal growth. In general, there is no clear reason for its development. Pulmonary stenosis involves improper formation of the pulmonary valve. This three-leafed valve controls blood flow between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. Pulmonary stenosis can affect the function of these leaflets, making it harder for them to open and allow blood to flow from the right ventricle into the lungs.

There are four different types of pulmonary stenosis:

• Valvar pulmonary stenosis — the leaflets are incorrectly formed, either thicker or more narrow than normal
• Supravalvar pulmonary stenosis — the pulmonary artery above the valve is narrowed
• Subvalvar pulmonary stenosis — the muscle under the valve is thickened which narrows the blood flow coming in from the right ventricle
• Branch peripheral pulmonic stenosis — the right or left pulmonary artery (or both) is narrowed

Our surgeons who treat this condition

This information is provided by the Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. It is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice about a specific medical condition.