• TMVR is an alternative treatment for severe mitral regurgitation.
• It is used when extensive open-heart surgery is not suitable.
• TMVR can treat annuloplasty rings, degenerated prosthetic valves, and other mitral valve conditions.
• It is a less invasive option for patients who cannot have open-heart surgery.
• TMVR has shown promising results in treating mitral valve disease.
• Studies have demonstrated improvements in symptoms, quality of life, and survival rates.
• Success and outcome may vary depending on patient factors and medical team experience.
• TMVR patients are admitted to the hospital or nursing facility before the surgery for preparations.
• The procedure involves making an incision in the groin to access the femoral vein.
• A guidewire and catheter are inserted and guided to the heart.
• A clip is carefully placed over the mitral valve leaflets to prevent backward blood flow.
• The catheter is removed, and patients are typically discharged after one or two days.
• Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor recovery and make adjustments to the treatment plan.
• Valve-in-valve procedures present a minimally invasive alternative for replacing degenerated tissue heart valves, also known as bioprosthetic valves. These valves typically last around 10 to 15 years before requiring replacement. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) technology is revolutionizing the approach to this replacement by offering a less invasive option for patients who have previously undergone open-heart surgery for a bioprosthetic valve. This procedure proves particularly advantageous for high-risk individuals, as it significantly reduces recovery time, typically from three months to just one week.
• The valve-in-valve technique involves the precise placement of a new transcatheter valve into the orifice of the failing surgical valve, displacing the old valve leaflets. This innovative approach addresses two common modes of valve failure: narrowing due to scarring and failure of one of the valve leaflets to close, leading to blood leakage back into the heart.
• Bioprosthetic heart valves are preferred over mechanical valves due to their lower thrombosis risk. However, their shorter lifespan necessitates replacement. Traditionally, surgical intervention has been the standard for treating failed valves, but repeat cardiac surgery poses significant risks, particularly for older patients. The valve-in-valve procedure emerges as a compelling alternative, offering a safer option for those seeking minimal invasiveness.
• The decision to opt for TAVR should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, especially as your tissue valve approaches the end of its lifespan. The TAVR procedure, with its minimally invasive nature, allows for a shorter recovery time of about a week for ambulating, moderate- to high-risk patients. It represents a promising solution for individuals looking to replace failing tissue valves without the challenges associated with repeat open-heart surgery.
