MyChart
Why would I need Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR)?
The mitral valve controls blood flow between the upper and lower left chambers of your heart. If your mitral valve narrows or leaks, it can make your heart work harder to pump blood to the rest of your body.
If you have trouble with your mitral valve, you might experience increased pressure in your heart, irregular heart rhythms, or even heart failure.
Am I a candidate for TMVR?
Transcatheter mitral valve replacement can be a good option for people considered high-risk for open-heart surgery. Your doctors will weigh the risks by looking at factors that include your age and any pre-existing conditions that might affect your treatment options.
What can I expect during the procedure?
TMVR is an inpatient procedure. After anesthesia to keep you comfortable, your surgeon makes a small incision in your groin area and inserts a catheter into a vein. They guide the catheter into your heart where they install the new valve and expand it, where it will function immediately as a replacement for the damaged or diseased mitral valve.
What will recovery from TMVR look like?
You will probably spend at least one night in the hospital, but you should be up and moving the same day.
Your recovery depends on several factors, including your general health and any pre-existing conditions.
Recovery from TMVR is much faster than traditional open-heart surgery and may involve cardiac rehabilitation to strengthen the heart. As always, it’s important to take all medications prescribed by your doctors.
