Transcatheter mitral valve replacement is a minimally invasive procedure designed to replace a damaged mitral valve for patients who had previous mitral valve replacement and whose valves are now failing. It is particularly beneficial for patients suffering from severe mitral valve regurgitation who may not be eligible for traditional surgery or who have not improved with medication. With TMVR, patients can experience improved heart function and quality of life, without the longer recovery times associated with more invasive procedures.
During the TMVR procedure, a catheter is inserted through a vein in the leg and guided to the heart. Once in position, a new mitral valve is placed inside the existing damaged valve, effectively replacing it and restoring normal blood flow. This procedure helps to alleviate symptoms of mitral valve regurgitation, such as shortness of breath, fatigue and swelling, and can significantly enhance a patient's quality of life.
TMVR is similar to the TAVR procedure, but while MitraClip repairs the mitral valve by clipping the leaflets together to reduce regurgitation, TMVR completely replaces the valve.
- Consultation and testing: Your healthcare provider will conduct imaging tests, such as an echocardiogram or CT scan, to determine whether TMVR is the best option for you. These tests are important in providing a clear picture of your heart's condition.
- Medication management: Your doctor may need to adjust your current medications leading up to the procedure. It is vital to follow their instructions to avoid complications.
- Fasting instructions: You will be instructed not to eat or drink anything for a set period before the procedure, typically starting at midnight the night before. Your care team will provide specific fasting guidelines.
After the TMVR procedure, patients typically remain in the hospital for a couple of days for observation. During this period, the healthcare team will closely monitor your recovery to ensure the new valve is functioning well and that there are no complications.
Once at home, patients are encouraged to rest and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for several weeks. Light activities like walking are beneficial to promote circulation, but it's important to listen to your body and take breaks as needed. Your healthcare provider will also prescribe medications, such as blood thinners, to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Maintaining a heart-healthy diet is crucial after TMVR. Avoid foods high in salt, saturated fats and sugars. Instead, opt for a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins to support overall heart health.
Comparing TMVR, TAVR and MitraClip
If you're wondering about the differences between transcatheter procedures, here’s a side-by-side comparison:
TMVR replaces the mitral valve entirely, making it an ideal option for patients with severe valve damage. In contrast, MitraClip repairs the existing valve by clipping the leaflets, or valve “doors” together. Both of these procedures are minimally invasive and avoid open-heart surgery (opening the chest).
TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) is used to treat aortic valve conditions, whereas TMVR focuses on the mitral valve. Both procedures are similar in that they use a catheter to replace a damaged valve without open-heart surgery, making them excellent options for high-risk patients.
Frequently asked questions
Mitral valve regurgitation occurs when the mitral valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the heart. This can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue and swelling.
No, TMVR and MitraClip are different procedures. TMVR involves completely replacing the mitral valve, while MitraClip is a repair technique that uses a clip to reduce regurgitation.
TAVR is used to replace the aortic valve, whereas TMVR is used to replace the mitral valve. Both procedures are minimally invasive, but they target different valves in the heart.
Patients typically stay in the hospital for a few days and can expect a recovery period of several weeks, during which strenuous activities should be avoided.
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Related treatment options
A minimally invasive procedure to repair the mitral valve by clipping the leaflets together, reducing mitral valve regurgitation.
TEER is the minimally invasive procedure used to treat mitral valve regurgitation using the MitraClip®.
TAVI, also known as TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement), is a breakthrough for patients with severe aortic stenosis, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional valve replacement. This procedure involves threading an artificial valve through the blood vessels to replace the damaged aortic valve without requiring open-heart surgery.
For narrowed valves, balloon valvuloplasty can be used to widen the valve opening, allowing for better blood flow. This is often recommended for patients with conditions like mitral or aortic stenosis.
When needed, our skilled cardiac surgeons perform open-heart surgery, using either biological or mechanical valves to replace the damaged heart valve. For certain cases, the procedure involves the heart-lung bypass machine to ensure patient safety and effective blood circulation throughout the surgery.
At Endeavor Health Cardiovascular Institute, we are committed to providing the highest quality care to each patient. With advanced technologies, a compassionate team and a focus on personalized, proactive care, we’re here to support you through every step of your heart health journey.
