Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What do I need to know about transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR)?
TMVR is a minimally invasive way to repair your mitral valve. TMVR is done if mitral valve replacement surgery is not safe for you. Your symptoms should get better soon after your procedure.
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What will happen before my procedure?
- You will need to have an echocardiogram to make sure TMVR is right for you. Your healthcare provider will use sound waves to look to see how severe your leaky mitral valve is. You may need to stop taking blood thinning medicine several days before your procedure.
- Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for your procedure. He or she may tell you not to eat or drink after midnight on the day of your procedure. He or she will tell you what medicines to take or not to take on the day of your procedure.
What will happen during my procedure?
- You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and pain-free. A ventilator will breathe for you. You may instead have local anesthesia and medicine to keep you relaxed.
- Your healthcare provider will make an incision in your upper leg. He or she will put a catheter into a vein in your leg. It is put through the vein into the left side of your heart. A clip delivery device will be guided through the catheter to your mitral valve. Your healthcare provider will use fluoroscopy and ultrasound imaging to help guide the device. The clip will be placed so that it holds the middle of the mitral flaps. This will reduce the amount of blood that flows back into your atrium. Your healthcare provider will do tests to make sure the clip is in proper position. He or she may have to place another clip to decrease the backward flow more.
- The delivery device and catheter will then be removed. The incision in your leg will be closed.
What should I expect after my procedure?
You will have to stay in the hospital for 1 to 5 days. Your healthcare providers will monitor your heart functions.
What are the risks of a TMVR?
You may bleed more than expected. You may develop an infection. Damage to your vein or other blood vessels can occur. You may develop an abnormal or fast heartbeat. You may need medicine to correct your heartbeat. The clip may not reduce the back flow of blood enough. You may need different treatment.
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