Heart valve problems can make the heart work harder to pump blood efficiently. At Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill, SC, we offer the MitraClip procedure to repair a leaky mitral valve, helping restore proper blood flow through the heart and body.

What Is Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (TMVr)?

Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) is a minimally invasive procedure used to repair a malfunctioning mitral valve, specifically addressing mitral valve regurgitation (MR) rather than replacing the valve. This approach may be recommended to patients who are not suitable candidates for open-heart surgery due to age or comorbidities.

In MR, the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to leak backward from the left ventricle into the left atrium during heart contractions. This backward flow can impair the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently, making it work harder to meet the body’s blood circulation requirements.

TMVr procedures, such as MitraClip™, use catheter-based techniques to help improve valve function by clipping together the valve leaflets, allowing them to close more effectively and reduce regurgitation. TMVr may be effective primarily for treating mitral valve regurgitation but is not indicated for all mitral valve conditions. TMVr is contraindicated in patients with primary mitral valve disease (e.g., prolapse, ruptured chordae) and in those with significant mitral stenosis.

What Is MitraClip™?

MitraClip is currently the only transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) device that has received FDA approval. It clips together portions of the mitral valve leaflets to reduce mitral regurgitation (MR), helping the heart pump blood more efficiently. While MitraClip may not eliminate all mitral valve problems, it may offer significant symptom relief for patients. MitraClip may provide these benefits compared to traditional mitral valve repair:

• Shortened recovery time
• Shorter hospital stay
• Symptom relief
• Improved heart function
  

Is TMVr the Same as MitraClip ™?

No, TMVr (transcatheter mitral valve repair) refers to a category of minimally invasive procedures focused on repairing a diseased mitral valve, typically without the need for open-heart surgery. TMVr specifically addresses mitral regurgitation by helping to improve valve function and reducing blood leakage. On the other hand, MitraClip is one specific device within the TMVr category to help repair MR by clipping the leaflets of the mitral valve together so the valve closes properly to minimize backward blood flow. 

Getting Ready for the MitraClip Procedure

Ask your doctor whether you should continue taking your usual medications, especially if you are on blood thinners or diabetes medication. Your doctor may also instruct you not to eat for at least six hours before the procedure and avoid drinking anything two hours beforehand. Be sure to remove any jewelry and change into a hospital gown before your procedure starts.

What Happens During the MitraClip Procedure?

1. You will be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep during the procedure. 
2. A breathing tube will be placed in your mouth and connected to a machine to assist with breathing. 
3. The doctor will make a small cut in a large vein in your groin area. 
4. A long, thin tube called a catheter will be inserted into this incision and guided to your heart using X-ray imaging. 
5. At the end of the catheter, a tool will create a small hole in the septum, the muscle dividing the chambers of the heart. 
6. The catheter will pass through this hole to reach the mitral valve. 
7. The doctor will then insert the MitraClip through the catheter to clip the leaflets of the mitral valve together, improving its ability to close and reducing backward blood flow. 
8. Once the clip is securely in place and working properly, the catheter and breathing tube will be removed.

What Happens After the MitraClip Procedure?

 After the procedure, your healthcare team will monitor you closely and let you know how long you will need to stay in the hospital. Most patients are encouraged to start walking within 24 hours if they’re able to. Follow-up tests, such as blood work and an echocardiogram, will be done to ensure the MitraClip is functioning as expected.

You’ll be given detailed instructions on how to recover and regain your health. Be sure to follow them carefully, and if you notice any unusual symptoms, contact your doctor. Once you leave the hospital, you’ll need regular checkups with your cardiologist and primary care doctor. Your doctor may also recommend a cardiac rehabilitation program to help with your recovery and prevent future heart issues.

Find a Cardiovascular Doctor

At Piedmont Medical Center, we prioritize quick access to care, ensuring minimal waiting for appointments and procedures. We offer personalized support, guiding you through every step—from your first contact to post-procedure follow-up. Our dedicated team is here to offer expert care close to home, making your journey smoother and more comfortable.

If you’re concerned about heart valve issues, don’t wait. Reach out to a structural heart navigator today and take the first step toward better heart health.