The MitraClip is a small device used to stop your heart’s mitral valve from leaking. The MitraClip is installed in your heart through a minimally invasive procedure called Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER). This innovative procedure provides an alternative to traditional open-heart surgery for patients in need of mitral valve intervention.
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What is a Leaky Mitral Valve?
Located between the upper-left heart chamber (atrium) and the lower-left heart chamber (ventricle), the mitral valve helps control blood flow in your heart. When the mitral valve becomes damaged or faulty, it could start leaking (regurgitate) blood back into the atrium or become too narrow (stenosis) for normal blood flow. The TEER procedure addresses symptoms of mitral valve damage, reducing the risk of serious health complications, such as heart failure. Our experts may recommend the MitraClip for older individuals, as well as those who have underlying health conditions that increase the risks associated with heart surgery.
What Happens During the TEER Procedure?
Replacing the mitral valve traditionally requires open-heart surgery — but the innovative TEER procedure provides a minimally invasive alternative. Our heart and vascular experts will recommend the best treatment approach based on your age, overall health and other factors.
During the procedure, a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into one of your blood vessels and directed toward your heart using advanced imaging technology. Our experts then locate the damaged mitral valve inside your heart and install the new MitraClip. The inpatient TEER procedure typically takes two to three hours, with constant surveillance of your vital signs by members of our expert cardiovascular team.
What Happens After the TEER Procedure?
Considered a game-changer in the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation and mitral valve stenosis, the TEER procedure typically results in a shorter recovery time compared to other treatment approaches. Following the procedure, patients stay overnight for observation and typically go home within one to two days.
Learn about other heart and vascular procedures at Bayhealth.