Mitral Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair- M-TEER

Published with the inputs from Dr Rajesh Muralidharan, Senior Consultant,  Cardiology,  Baby Memorial Hospitals-Kozhikode

Mitral Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (M-TEER) is a minimally invasive procedure used to repair a leaking mitral valve without opening the chest or stopping the heart. It uses a specially designed clip to bring together the edges of the valve leaflets, helping the valve close more effectively and reduce the backward flow of blood.

M-TEER may be an option for patients with severe mitral regurgitation who are considered unsuitable for or at high risk from conventional surgery. In appropriately selected patients, the procedure may help improve symptoms, enhance quality of life and reduce hospitalisations for heart failure.

What is Mitral Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (M-TEER)?

M-TEER is a minimally invasive procedure used to repair a leaking mitral valve. A specially designed clip brings together the edges of the valve's two leaflets, helping the valve close more effectively and reducing the backward leakage of blood.

What is mitral regurgitation?

Mitral regurgitation occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward with every heartbeat. This makes the heart work harder and can eventually lead to heart failure.

What are the symptoms of mitral regurgitation?

Patients with mitral regurgitation may experience breathlessness, fatigue, swelling of the legs and repeated hospitalisations. In severe cases, even simple activities such as walking across a room can become exhausting.

How is the M-TEER procedure performed?

The procedure is performed through a small puncture in a vein in the groin. A thin, flexible tube is guided into the heart, and ultrasound imaging is used to position a specially designed clip across the leaking mitral valve.

The clip gently brings together the edges of the valve's two leaflets, helping the valve close more effectively and reducing the backward leakage of blood.

Who may benefit from M-TEER?

M-TEER may benefit patients with severe mitral regurgitation who are considered unsuitable for or at high risk from conventional surgery. It may also benefit carefully selected patients with weakened heart muscles whose valve leakage remains severe despite optimal medical treatment.

What are the potential benefits of M-TEER?

In appropriately selected patients, M-TEER may help improve symptoms, enhance quality of life and reduce hospitalisations for heart failure.

Does M-TEER require open-heart surgery?

No. M-TEER is performed through a small puncture in a vein in the groin. A catheter is guided into the heart to deliver the clip to the mitral valve without opening the chest or stopping the heart.

Does M-TEER replace the mitral valve?

No. The procedure is designed to repair the patient's own mitral valve rather than replace it. The clip brings the valve leaflets together to help them close more effectively.

Is M-TEER suitable for everyone with mitral regurgitation?

No. Not every leaking mitral valve is suitable for M-TEER. Conventional surgery remains the preferred treatment for many patients, particularly when a durable surgical repair can be safely performed.

How long does recovery take after M-TEER?

Because the chest is not opened, recovery is generally faster than with open-heart surgery. Many patients can return home within a few days.

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If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mitral regurgitation, consult a cardiac specialist to understand the available treatment options and determine whether M-TEER may be suitable.

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