TMVR stands for Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement. It is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace a malfunctioning or diseased mitral valve in the heart. The mitral valve is responsible for regulating blood flow between the left atrium and the left ventricle.
In a TMVR procedure, a catheter is inserted through a small incision in the patient's leg or chest and guided to the heart. A prosthetic valve, typically made of biocompatible materials, is then deployed within the native mitral valve. This new valve takes over the function of regulating blood flow.
TMVR is often performed on patients who are considered high-risk or ineligible for traditional open-heart surgery due to various reasons, such as advanced age, significant comorbidities, or previous heart surgeries. By avoiding open-heart surgery, TMVR offers a less invasive option for valve replacement, which can lead to shorter hospital stays, reduced recovery times, and potentially fewer complications.
Who can undergo TMVR?
The eligibility criteria for undergoing Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR) can vary depending on several factors, including the specific patient's condition, the severity of the mitral valve disease, and the expertise and resources available at the healthcare facility. Generally, TMVR is considered for individuals who meet the following criteria:
Failed Surgical bioprosthetic Mitral valve who are high risk for redo-surgery (valve-in-valve TMVR)
Failed surgical mitral valve repair with mitral ring (Valve-in-Ring TMVR)
Severe degenerative mitral valve disease with dense mitral annular calcification (Valve-in-MAC)
It's important to note that each case is evaluated on an individual basis, and the final decision regarding suitability for TMVR is made by the medical team in consultation with the patient.
