Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) or MitraClip™ Procedure
At St. Rose Dominican, our team of heart specialists perform Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) or MitraClip Procedure.
Reproduced with Permission of Abbott
TEER or MitraClip is a simple procedure to fix the mitral valve in your heart. Doctors perform this procedure on patients experiencing Mitral Regurgitation (MR), also known as a leaky valve, which is when one of the valves in the heart, called the mitral valve, does not close properly. Instead, the valve leaks, allowing blood to flow back into the heart. When this happens, the body may not get the oxygen it needs. Some people are born with a problem in the mitral valve. For many others, it can develop because of wear and tear or damage from a heart attack or heart surgery.
In some cases, people with a leaky valve may never experience symptoms of heart failure. But over time, heart failure can worsen when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands. Here are important signs to recognize and discuss with your doctor.
This procedure is minimally invasive, unlike traditional open surgery. This means you will recover more quickly and with less pain than more invasive procedures. The implanted clip is about the size of a dime. Recovery time depends on your health.
The implantation procedure typically lasts 3 to 4 hours; the length of the procedure may vary due to differences in anatomy.
Patients are usually released from the hospital within 1 to 5 days, which is significantly less time compared to open surgery. The length of your stay will depend on your overall health, and if you experience any complications.
As with any procedure, these benefits cannot be guaranteed, as recovery is unique to each patient and procedure. Always talk to your doctor about all associated benefits and risks.
During the procedure, doctors access the mitral valve with a thin tube, called a catheter, which is guided through a vein in your leg to reach your heart.
Who is a good candidate for Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) Procedure?
Select heart failure patients with Secondary Mitral Regurgitation (MR) who remain symptomatic despite directed medical therapy (GDMT)
Reproduced with Permission of Abbott
The Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair or MitraClip procedure is performed in a Cardiac Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab). You will be placed under general anesthesia to put you in a deep sleep, and a ventilator will be used to help you breathe.
A local anesthetic will be used to numb the puncture site. During the procedure, doctors access the mitral valve with a thin tube, called a catheter, which is guided through a vein in the leg, to reach the heart.
A small implanted clip is attached to your mitral valve to help it close more completely. This helps to restore normal blood flow through your heart.
Be sure to follow all instructions provided by your health care team. It is important to take your medications as directed and to make follow-up appointments before leaving the hospital.
Post TEER/MitraClip Procedure
Take all your prescribed medications. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications and make sure your doctor knows of any allergies you have. Follow all instructions given to you by your doctor or nurse.
Yes, the implanted clip will become a permanent part of your heart, allowing your mitral valve to close more tightly and reduce the backward flow of blood.
Following your procedure, you will receive an Implant Identification Card, which your doctor will fill out and which you must carry with you at all times.
It is possible that you may be able to have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan performed. However, you must inform your MRI facility and technician that you have a MitraClip™ device. After the procedure you will be given an implant card that describes what types of MRIs you will be able to receive. If the test can be performed, they may need to make certain adjustments to ensure your safety.
The Siena hospital serves as a hub for many of St. Rose’s tertiary services and has received numerous awards and recognized for its quality care.
Talk to your doctor to determine if the Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair or MitraClip Procedure is right for you.
