Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital is one of the select facilities in the nation to offer patients Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER), formerly referred to as Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair. During this minimally invasive procedure, cardiac surgeons utilize a medical device called a MitraClip, which is a small, clip-like device used to repair the mitral valve. This procedure may provide hope for patients who were previously deemed inoperable for traditional open-heart surgery.
What is Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair?
Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair is a minimally invasive procedure that treats leakage of the mitral valve without requiring open heart surgery. The mitral valve acts as a "doorway" between two chambers in the heart. When it leaks, blood flows backward, making the heart work harder and eventually leading to heart failure. During TEER, the MitraClip is inserted through a catheter in the leg, guided to the heart, and then clipped onto the leaky valve leaflets, gently pulling them closer together to form a tighter seal.
The procedure is FDA-approved for patients who are considered at an elevated risk for surgical mitral valve repair.
Benefits of Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair
Since Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) using MitraClip is minimally invasive, it offers a number of benefits for candidates, including:
- Reduced risk: Compared to open-heart surgery, the MitraClip procedure carries a lower risk of complications and a faster recovery time.
- Improved quality of life: Studies show significant improvements in symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and exercise tolerance after MitraClip therapy.
- Lasting results: The MitraClip has been shown to provide long-lasting repair of the mitral valve, with many patients enjoying symptom relief for years after the procedure.
Patients who undergo Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair experienced a 73% reduction in hospitalizations due to heart failure.
All Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair procedures are performed in a hybrid catheterization lab, using general anesthesia and trans-esophageal echocardiography.
While MitraClip isn't for everyone, it's a game-changer for patients with severe mitral valve regurgitation who are at high risk for traditional surgery. If you're struggling with a leaky mitral valve, be sure to talk to your doctor about whether MitraClip could be the right option for you.
Learn more
To find a cardiologist, cardiovascular specialist, or primary care physician, please call (661) 324-7070 or use our online Find A Doctor tool.
At risk for heart disease?
Heart disease comes in many forms and can affect people of any age, gender, or ethnicity. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The more you can learn about your heart health, the better. Knowledge is truly powerful medicine that helps you understand your risks and take action to lessen your potential for problems. It can lead to early detection, and most importantly, to early treatment and better outcomes.
Take this quick assessment to:
- Understand symptoms, causes, and types of heart disease
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