Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair Program

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis of Mitral Valve Conditions

Some mitral valve conditions may not cause symptoms for many years. However, symptoms can develop or become more noticeable as the condition progresses. Symptoms of mitral valve conditions may include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain and heart palpitations.

If a mitral valve condition becomes severe, it can lead to life-threatening problems, such as heart failure, arrhythmia, pulmonary hypertension and in some cases, stroke. It is therefore important to always see a doctor if you develop any of the symptoms of mitral valve conditions.

A doctor may use the following tests to diagnose mitral valve conditions:

• Echocardiogram
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Cardiac catheterization
• Heart MRI

Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair Procedures

If you are diagnosed with mitral valve regurgitation or mitral valve stenosis, then you may be a candidate for a minimally invasive mitral valve repair procedure.

When possible, repairing your own mitral valve is a preferred treatment as it helps to preserve the native valve. During the procedure, your surgeon aims to fix the problem in your mitral valve but doesn’t remove it. During a mitral valve replacement, your own damaged valve is removed and replaced with a mechanical valve, or one made from animal tissue.

Minimally invasive mitral valve repair procedures include:

• Transaxillary Mitral Valve Repair: A minimally invasive procedure that accesses the mitral valve through a small incision in the armpit area (the axilla).
• Robotic-assisted mitral valve repair: A minimally invasive surgical approach that uses robotic technology to help the surgeon repair the mitral valve through small incisions. It may be an option for selected patients.
• Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER): A minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure that uses a clip to bring the mitral valve leaflets together and reduce leakage. It may be an option for selected patients with mitral valve regurgitation, including some patients who are at high risk for surgery
• Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty: A minimally invasive procedure to treat mitral valve stenosis (a narrowing of the mitral valve). During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin guided to the heart, where a tiny balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated to stretch the valve open and separate its fused flaps (leaflets). The balloon is then deflated and removed, improving blood flow and relieving symptoms.

Minimally invasive surgical repair offers many benefits to suitable patients as it is performed through a small incision between the ribs rather than opening the sternum. Benefits can include faster healing and recovery, less pain, lower risk of infection, reduced scarring and shorter hospital stays.

You may be a candidate for minimally invasive mitral valve repair if you have mitral valve regurgitation or stenosis. Your Heart Team will consider many factors, including your heart health, lifestyle, medical history and whether you need any other procedures at the time of the procedure.