MitraClip and TMVR (Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement) are both minimally invasive procedures used to treat mitral valve disease, but they have some key differences:
Purpose and Approach:
MitraClip: MitraClip is a specific device used for a procedure called transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr). It is designed to treat mitral regurgitation, a condition where the mitral valve fails to close properly, causing blood to leak backward into the left atrium. MitraClip is deployed to grasp and clip together the leaflets of the mitral valve, reducing the amount of regurgitation.
TMVR: TMVR refers to the broader category of procedures that involve replacing the mitral valve entirely. It is used in cases where the valve is severely diseased or damaged and repair with MitraClip is not feasible. TMVR involves deploying a prosthetic valve inside the native mitral valve, taking over its function.
Valve Repair vs. Valve Replacement:
MitraClip: MitraClip is primarily used for mitral valve repair. It allows the existing valve to be partially repaired by clipping the leaflets together to reduce regurgitation. The procedure aims to improve the function of the patient's own mitral valve without completely replacing it.
TMVR: TMVR involves replacing the malfunctioning or diseased mitral valve with a prosthetic valve. It completely replaces the native valve and assumes its role in regulating blood flow. TMVR is used when the mitral valve is severely damaged or if repair is not possible with MitraClip or other repair techniques.
Eligibility and Patient Selection:
MitraClip: MitraClip is suitable for patients with mitral regurgitation who may not be ideal candidates for open-heart surgery. It is often considered for individuals with moderate to severe regurgitation and significant symptoms.
TMVR: TMVR is typically considered for patients with severe mitral valve disease, including both mitral regurgitation and mitral stenosis, who are at high surgical risk or ineligible for open-heart surgery. TMVR is an alternative to valve replacement surgery.
In summary, MitraClip is a specific device used for transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr), aimed at repairing the patient's own mitral valve. TMVR, on the other hand, involves replacing the native mitral valve entirely with a prosthetic valve. The choice between MitraClip and TMVR depends on the specific condition of the mitral valve and the patient's individual circumstances.
