Transcatheter Mitral-Valve Repair & Mitraclip

TMVR & Mitraclip

Overview

TMVR

The mitral valve is located between your heart’s two left chambers. The mitral valve has two flaps of tissue, called leaflets, that open and close to ensure that blood flows in only one direction.

The mitral valve has two flaps of tissue, called leaflets, that open and close to ensure that blood flows in only one direction.
Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) is a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of selected patients with symptomatic chronic moderate-severe or severe (3+ or 4+) mitral regurgitation (MR).

One type of mitral regurgitation is called degenerative mitral regurgitation (also called primary or organic). It can be related to age, a birth defect, or underlying heart disease.

What can happen if my mitral regurgitation is not treated?

Mitral regurgitation places an extra burden on your heart and lungs. Over time, some people may develop an enlarged heart because it has to work harder to pump blood through the body. If it is not treated, mitral regurgitation can cause other, more serious problems to your heart, such as heart failure, a condition that occurs when your heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the needs of your body.

Mid-Missouri Business Week: New heart procedure to bring more patients to Boone Hospital

Check out Dr. Zuidema’s interview on KMIZ talking about Mitraclip to learn more about the procedure.

More Information

VIDEO: How to Implant the MitraClip Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair Device

Signs & Symptoms

Jump Up

TMVR

  • Blood flowing turbulently through your heart (heart murmur)
  • Shortness of breath, especially with exertion or when you lie down
  • Fatigue, especially during times of increased activity
  • Lightheadedness
  • Cough, especially at night or when lying down
  • Heart palpitations – sensations of a rapid, fluttering heartbeat
  • Swollen feet or ankles
  • Excessive urination

What to Expect

Jump Up

MITRACLIP

The whole process has 3 steps: the pre-procedure, the procedure, and post-procedure recovery.

Most patients will have been assessed in clinic to assess suitability for the Mitraclip procedure.
Patients arrive on the morning of the procedure. Some basic lab tests are done and the patient will meet the anesthesiologist.
In the procedure room, the patient will be put to sleep for the procedure and a breathing tube inserted. This will usually be taken out as soon as the procedure is done.
In experienced centers, the procedure itself can take from 1 to 3 hours. Sometimes it can be longer if required depending on the complexity of the case.
After the procedure the patient will go to a recovery area and when felt to be stable enough, sent to a room in the hospital.
I usually send patients home the next day in the early afternoon.