UMass Memorial Health Care



Frequently Asked Questions Transcatheter Mitral Valve RepairWould Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (TMVR) be beneficial to my patients with mitral regurgitation (MR)? Mitral regurgitation is the most frequent valve disease in the US. Nearly one in 10 people age 75 and older has moderate or severe MR, which can cause heart failure and even death if left untreated. Despite its prevalence, patients with moderate or severe mitral regurgitation are often undertreated. In 2009, only approximately two percent of the estimated 1.7 million patients with MR ≥ 3+ were treated with surgical intervention. TMVR has been established as a proven option?for those who are at very high risk and too sick for open heart surgery.How is the procedure done?UMass Memorial is one of only a few hospitals in Massachusetts offering TMVR, using the FDA-approved MitraClip device. A minimally invasive catheter-based procedure, TMVR is performed using venous access and real-time imaging (echocardiography and fluoroscopy), thereby avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass. The MitraClip device grasps and aligns the mitral valve leaflets, resulting in fixed coaptation of the mitral leaflets. Patients generally have a hospital stay of less than three days. Who is eligible for TMVR?Your patients with MR who meet the following criteria may be eligible:Significant degenerative MRSeverely symptomatic (NYHA Class III to IV)Not suitable for surgery because of age and/or severe co-morbidities (e.g., liver disease, pulmonary hypertension, etc.)What are the outcomes of the procedure?A reduction in heart failure-related symptoms and hospitalizationsImprovement in quality of lifeReduction in left ventricular sizeReduction of MR severityWhat do I do if I have a patient who can benefit from MitraClip?Just call us at 508-334-CARD (2273). We’ll answer your questions and help schedule an appointment. ................
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