Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (TMVR)
Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (TMVR) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat mitral valve regurgitation, a condition in which the mitral valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to leak backwards into the heart. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart failure. Unlike open-heart surgery, TMVR uses catheter-based techniques to repair the valve without major incisions. Dr Umesh Akkalkotkar, a Senior Consultant & Interventional Cardiologist at N.M. Wadia Institute of Cardiology, Pune, excels in TMVR, including the MitraClip device, providing effective relief for patients unsuitable for surgery.
What is TMVR?
TMVR involves inserting a catheter through a vein in the groin to access the heart, where devices like the MitraClip are used to clip the mitral valve leaflets together, reducing regurgitation.
Procedure Overview: Guided by echocardiography and fluoroscopy, the clip is positioned to restore proper valve function. It's performed under sedation, typically lasting 1-2 hours.
Key Features: Suitable for high-risk patients with severe mitral regurgitation, including those with comorbidities like advanced age or lung disease. Options may include annuloplasty rings or other devices.
Applications: Addresses functional or degenerative mitral regurgitation, often in patients who are not candidates for traditional surgery.