TMVr

TMVr refers to Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair. It is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat mitral regurgitation, a condition where the mitral valve in the heart does not close properly, causing blood to leak backward into the left atrium. This procedure offers an alternative to open-heart surgery for some patients.

The TMVr procedure involves the insertion of a catheter, typically through a vein in the leg or chest. Guided by imaging, this catheter is advanced to the heart. A device is then deployed through the catheter to clip together the mitral valve leaflets, effectively reducing or eliminating the backward leakage of blood. The most common device used for TMVr is the MitraClip.

TMVr is generally considered for patients who are at high risk for traditional open-heart surgery or who have specific anatomical characteristics that make them suitable candidates for the procedure. The benefits of TMVr include a shorter recovery time, reduced risk of complications compared to surgery, and improved symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.

The procedure is performed by a specialized interventional cardiology team. While it has demonstrated significant success in improving the quality of life for many patients, it is not suitable for all individuals with mitral regurgitation. A thorough evaluation by a cardiac team is necessary to determine eligibility. As with any medical intervention, there are potential risks and benefits that must be discussed with a healthcare provider.