Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair
Mitral valve regurgitation is a common heart disorder that occurs when the mitral valve of the heart doesn’t close properly. When a person has mitral valve regurgitation, blood flows backward into the atrium—instead of forward into the ventricle—as the heart contracts. This abnormal blood flow signals the heart to pump harder to get more blood out and into the body, which causes stress on the body. Those with mitral valve regurgitation traditionally have needed open-heart surgery to repair their mitral valves. Georgia Heart Institute, however, is pleased to offer innovative and minimally invasive treatment options for patients. See below to learn more about mitral valve regurgitation and the transcatheter mitral valve repair devices offered through Georgia Heart Institute.
How would you know if your heart isn’t pumping blood effectively? For some people, mitral valve regurgitation occurs suddenly after a heart attack or a structural problem related to the mitral valve. For many others, though, symptoms develop gradually.
People with mitral valve regurgitation may experience:
- Shortness of breath, particularly during activity or when lying down
- Fatigue, particularly during activity
- Heart murmurs
- Heart palpitations
- Lightheadedness
- Swollen feet or legs
Only you and your cardiologist can determine the best next steps for your condition; however, mitral valve regurgitation can lead to more serious complications, such as an enlarged heart or heart failure. Moreover, patients suffering from mitral valve regurgitation often report a significant improvement in their quality of life after treatment for the disorder.
Candidates for a transcatheter mitral valve repair device typically are patients with mitral valve regurgitation who are not good candidates for traditional open-heart surgery. These individuals typically include:
- Those whose symptoms do not respond to medication and who need additional intervention to improve quality of life.
- Those with high surgical risk due to age, underlying health conditions, or other factors.
Speaking with a cardiologist will help you understand whether you are a candidate for a transcatheter mitral valve repair procedure and what is the best technique for the procedure.
MitraClip
MitraClip offers a less invasive treatment option for mitral valve regurgitation, particularly benefiting patients who aren’t candidates for open-heart surgery. With the aid of a catheter inserted through a vein in the groin, a cardiologist guides one or more clips to the mitral valve in order to reduce or eliminate leakage, improving patients’ quality of life and reducing heart failure hospitalizations. The procedure typically takes one to three hours, with most patients going home within one to three days and experiencing noticeable improvement.
PASCAL
PASCAL is an innovative, minimally invasive solution for transcatheter mitral valve repair, designed to treat mitral valve regurgitation in patients who may not be eligible for traditional open-heart surgery. Utilizing a flexible, catheter-based system, the PASCAL device gently grasps and holds the mitral valve leaflets together, significantly reducing leakage and improving blood flow. This advanced technology offers a promising alternative for patients seeking a less invasive approach, with shorter recovery times and the potential for a quick return to everyday activities.
Why choose Georgia Heart Institute?
Georgia Heart Institute has a specialized structural heart care team, including doctors specializing in structural heart disorders, a dedicated patient navigator and a program coordinator. Their specific expertise helps patients with complex heart conditions, like mitral valve regurgitation, find treatment options that can extend their life and improve their health.Georgia Heart Institute also offers robotic mitral valve repair for suitable patients.
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