Heart repair without surgery: The TEER procedure

Transcatheter EdgetoEdge Repair TEER is a minimally invasive treatment option for highrisk patients with Mitral Valve Leakage TEER has proven to be the most advanced treatment option for treating severe Mitral Valve LeakageMitral Valve Leakage also known as mitral regurgitation is a symptomatic cardiovascular condition wherein the mitral valve does not close tightly This causes blood to flow backwards into the left atrium when the left ventricle contracts and onwards in towards the lungs causing severe blood pressure and symptoms This is a serious heart condition usually observed in patients who have experienced heart attacks and have a dilated heart but can also occur in patients who are elderly and have diseased mitral valve which do not close properly Reportedly more than 7037 of the population on conventional medical treatment may die in case they are not offered treatments such as valve replacement mitral annular surgery or TEER procedureMitral Valve LeakageThe Mitral Valve is a unidirectional valve located between the left atrium and the left ventricle and it facilitates the flow of purified oxygen rich blood from the lungs to the body In a healthy heart the mitral valve opens and closes tightly with each heartbeat preventing the blood flowing in reverse direction towards the lungs When the mitral valve does not close tightly the blood flows back into the left atrium and the heart compensates for the blood leakage by pumping harder masking the issue in the early years As the severity of blood leakage increases with years within a few years it leads to compromised heart conditions which is irreversible and eventually fatalCauseThe common observed causes for Mitral Valve Leakage are Degenerative Mitral Valve disease caused due to progressing age atrial fibrillation Rheumatic fever from untreated gum or throat infection Heart attacks that cause damage to valve structures Infective endocarditis also known as Valve infection and Congenital valve defects that arise due to birth defectsSymptomsThe early symptoms of the disease are usually observed at the age of 60 years and aboveShortness of breathPalpitationsSwollen feet or anklesHeart murmurLight headedness or fatigueChest discomfort or weaknessfaintingDetectionMitral Valve defect can be diagnosed early throughEchocardiogram a simple ultrasound of the heartFetal Echocardiogram to detect valve defects during pregnancy or before birthElectrocardiogram to detect Atrial fibrillation andXray to check for heart enlargementEarly detection of the disease allows surgeons to manage the symptoms with medication and to avoid heart failure or atrial fibrillationTreatmentFor managing mild symptoms surgeons usually prescribe medicines such as Diuretics to reduce fluid buildup and BetaBlockers and ACE inhibitors to improve heart function Other newer medications include ARNI SGLT2 inhibitors which also improve heart function In some patients where the pumping capacity of the heart is sufficient gt3037 the surgery may be considered In majority of these patient the pumping capacity is severely compromised lt3037 and they are usually on medication and may be recommended TEER procedure based on its suitabilityTranscatheter EdgetoEdge Repair TEERThe TEER procedure is highly recommended for patients who are considered high surgical risk due to preexisting issues like hypertension diabetes obesity advanced age physical frailty enlarged or weak heart and patients with kidney lung and liver problemsTEER is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed in a CATH Lab under general anaesthesia During the procedure a catheter is inserted through a incision near the groin usually into the femoral vein and guided to the mitral valve using realtime 3D Transoesophageal Echocardiography TEE and Fluoroscopy X Ray imaging A small clip is then attached to the Mitral valve leaflets to help them close tightly and reduce the backflow of blood regurgitation into the left atrium The TEER procedure is usually completed within 3 hoursBenefits of the TEER procedureMinimally invasive procedure that negates the need for open heart surgeryRecommended for highrisk surgical patients with comorbiditiesLimited hospital stay of 3 to 5 daysReduced repeat heart failure hospitalisationImproves quality of lifeLower postsurgical complications and faster recovery periodAllows for future intervention if requiredPostsurgery Hospitalisation and RecoveryPost the TEER procedure the patient is kept under observation in an ICU for 24 hours to monitor heart rhythm valve function blood pressure kidney function symptoms of bleeding arrhythmias or for any other valverelated complications Patients are often discharged within 3 to 5 days of the procedure if they are wellUnder medical guidance patients usually resume daily activities like walking and nonstrenuous work within a short period post the procedure Post 6 weeks of the TEER procedure patients have been observed to resume regular activities under medical supervisionDoctors may prescribe blood thinners or antiplatelets with continuation of blood pressure or heart failure medication Planned medical followups are recommended to monitor valve functionDisclaimerMidDay holds no responsibility or liability for any direct indirect implied punitive special incidental or consequential damages resulting directly or indirectly from the use of this content It is advisable to seek guidance from an expert advisor or health professional as the information on the site is not a substitute for professional medical advice diagnosis or treatment The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease and individuals seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician The views and opinions expressed are those of the sponsorauthoragency and do not represent the stance or views of MidDay Any purchases made from the branded segment are at your own discretion and risk

Heart repair without surgery: The TEER procedure

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Heart repair without surgery: The TEER procedure

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