Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement for Mitral Valve Disease (Mitral Regurgitation or Mitral Valve Stenosis)
Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR) is a treatment option for patients with mitral valve disease (mitral valve stenosis or mitral valve regurgitation). TMVR is a minimally invasive option using a catheter-based approach for high-risk patients whose existing mitral valve (native valve or prosthesis) is diseased and who are too ill or frail for traditional heart valve surgery.
The mitral valve is one of four valves in the heart. These valves ensure that blood flows properly in one’s heart. The mitral valve is located between the left atrium (upper chamber) and the left ventricle (lower chamber) of the heart.
Mitral valve regurgitation is a result of mechanical problems caused by the flaps of the original (native) or prosthetic mitral valve not closing properly and becoming leaky. Mitral valve stenosis is caused by a build-up of calcium in the original (native) or prosthetic mitral valve. These malfunctioning valves may lead to reduced blood flow to the body and/or increasing the strain on the heart and lungs. Ultimately, this leads to patients experiencing shortness of breath, leg swelling and fatigue.
TMVR Procedure:
In a TMVR procedure, a stent-based tissue valve is mounted on a balloon catheter and is inserted into the body via a small incision in the groin or chest wall. The patient's original mitral valve is "pushed aside" and the new stent valve is anchored in place allowing unobstructed blood flow. The procedure requires the combined skills of an interventional cardiologist and cardiac surgeon. By combining minimally invasive techniques with the latest catheter technologies, TMVR is a non-surgical option that is less invasive than conventional surgery and is done while the heart continues pumping.
Treatment options:
Patients with mitral valve stenosis or mitral valve regurgitation undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team in Beaumont's Heart Valve Clinic. The heart team consists of interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and advanced cardiac imaging specialists. Together with the patient, family and referring physician, the heart team makes tailored recommendations for each patient.
Some other treatment options patients may receive for the above diagnoses include:
To schedule an appointment with a heart valve coordinator, call 248-898-0230.