Transkateterklapprocedurer

Transkateterklapprocedurer, or transcatheter valve procedures, are minimally invasive interventions to repair or replace diseased heart valves using catheter-based techniques, typically accessed through blood vessels rather than opening the chest. They are used for various heart valves, most commonly the aortic, but also the mitral, tricuspid and pulmonary valves, with the aim of relieving symptoms, improving heart function and reducing the need for open-heart surgery.

Common procedures include transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR or TAVI), which replaces the aortic valve; transcatheter mitral valve repair (for example edge-to-edge repair) and transcatheter mitral valve replacement; transcatheter tricuspid valve repair or replacement; and transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement. These procedures may address stenosis or regurgitation and are offered to patients who are at high surgical risk or in some cases at moderate risk, depending on available evidence and guidelines.

Techniques and devices vary, but most procedures use a catheter inserted through a peripheral vessel, most often the femoral artery. Alternatives such as transapical, transaxillary or subclavian access exist. Devices include balloon-expandable and self-expanding valves for replacement, as well as repair devices that grasp or clip valve leaflets. Preprocedural imaging, multidisciplinary evaluation and anesthesia planning are essential components.

Outcomes depend on valve and patient characteristics but generally show symptom relief and improved functional status with acceptable safety in appropriately selected patients. Complications can include vascular injury, bleeding, stroke, paravalvular leak, and the need for a pacemaker after certain aortic procedures. Ongoing research continues to refine devices, durability and patient selection.