Mitral Regurgitation
Understanding Mitral Regurgitation (MR)
Mitral regurgitation is a heart valve condition that happens when the mitral valve—the “door” between the heart’s left atrium and left ventricle—doesn’t close all the way. When this happens, some blood leaks backward into the lungs instead of moving forward through the body. Over time, this can make the heart work harder, leading to symptoms that affect your daily life and, if untreated, more serious heart problems.
Common Symptoms
- Shortness of breath during activity or when lying down
- Feeling unusually tired or lightheaded
- Irregular heartbeat or fluttering in the chest
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen
- Chest pain in some cases
If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Early care can help protect your heart health and quality of life.
Treatment Options
At PIH Health, we offer minimally invasive procedures to treat mitral regurgitation without the need for open-heart surgery. Your care team will help decide which option is right for you.
Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER)
TEER is a minimally invasive procedure for patients who aren’t good candidates for traditional surgery. During TEER, doctors guide a small device to the mitral valve through a thin tube (catheter) inserted in the leg. The device gently clips the valve’s leaflets together so the valve closes more fully, reducing backward blood flow.
Benefits of TEER:
- No open-heart surgery
- Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay
- Relief from symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue
- Better quality of life
Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR)
If the mitral valve is too damaged to repair, TMVR may be recommended. In this procedure, doctors place a new artificial valve inside the diseased valve using a catheter. This replacement valve takes over the job of controlling blood flow in the heart.
Benefits of TMVR:
- Provides a complete solution when repair isn’t possible
- Minimally invasive compared to open-heart surgery
- Can greatly improve symptoms and heart function
Who May Benefit?
TEER and TMVR are usually recommended for patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation who are not ideal candidates for open-heart surgery, often due to:
- Age
- Overall health conditions
- Increased surgical risks
Your cardiology team will carefully evaluate your heart and overall health to recommend the best option for you.
Why Choose PIH Health for Heart Valve Care?
- Expertise You Can Trust: Our cardiology team specializes in the latest minimally invasive procedures, including TEER and TMVR.
- Personalized Care: Every patient is unique. We take the time to create a treatment plan tailored to your health, lifestyle, and needs.
- Advanced Technology: PIH Health offers cutting-edge tools and techniques designed to improve outcomes and recovery times.
- Compassionate Support: From diagnosis to recovery, our dedicated team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.
At PIH Health, our goal is to help you breathe easier, feel stronger, and enjoy a healthier quality of life.
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