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Mitral Valve

Mitral regurgitation can be treated by replacing the native valve (TMVR) or by repairing the native valve (TMVr). Planning for both types of procedures can be done using the 3mensio Mitral Valve workflow.

Request a demo
Mitral regurgitation can be treated by replacing the native valve (TMVR) or by repairing the native valve (TMVr). Planning for both types of procedures can be done using the 3mensio Mitral Valve workflow.

What is Mitral Valve Disease?



The mitral valve is situated between the left atrium and ventricle. Its primary purpose is to ensure that blood within the heart flows in the correct direction. However, there are times when this valve fails to close properly (often referred to as a "leaky" mitral valve). Blood will therefore begin to flow back into the left atrium (known as mitral regurgitation). While the exact causes of mitral valve disease are not fully understood, it is believed that genetics play an important factor.

 

What are the Symptoms of a Mitral Valve Prolapse?



Experts state that chest pain is the most predominant symptom of issues with the mitral valve. Note that this pain is not directly linked to more serious conditions such as heart attack or stroke. Some other symptoms can include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Oedema (swelling in the feet and legs)
  • Heart palpitations
  • Dizziness
  • Sensations of panic and/or anxiety


If a leaky mitral valve is not corrected, the heart muscles themselves may begin to weaken. This can lead to congestive heart failure. However, modern treatment options such as a TMVI (transcatheter mitral valve implantation) will often be able to correct minor issues before the devolve into more serious concerns.

 

What is Mitral Valve Replacement?



As the title suggests, a TMVI procedure involves inserting a catheter into the area of mitral valve via the femoral artery (known as a percutaneous procedure). A mitral "clip" is placed upon the end of the catheter. Note that this is often the preferred method when compared to an entire mitral valve replacement. Having said this, a replacement may be warranted if the valve experiences severe leakage (graded as 4 on a scale of 0 to 4).

One contemporary example of a TMVI-based procedure involves the use of a MitraClip. A MitraClip is a device which mechanically enables the mitral valve to completely close. As a result, blood will no longer flow in the reverse direction. This helps to prevent the degeneration of cardiac muscles over time. The procedure itself will not require any type of chest incision. At the time that this article was written, the MitraClip was already successfully implanted into over 100,000 patients.

Those who undergo a TMVI with the use of a MitraClip generally experience less severe symptoms within a short period of time. Some likewise claim that they feel as if a "weight has been lifted from their chest". Of course, any type of cardiac procedure still poses a certain element of risk. Those who wish to learn more about how a mitral valve prolapse is treated should speak with a physician.

 

What is a MitraClip and What Conditions it is Designed to Treat?


MitraClip is one of a host of new medical devices intended to treat a condition known as a mitral valve prolapse. In order to better appreciate the benefits of this technology, it is wise to take a closer look at mitral valve prolapses and their associated symptoms.