Contents

Description

Note

Overview

Introduction of mitral regurgitation (MR)

The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart. During the diastolic phase, the mitral valve completely opens to allow blood to pass through. When the heart begins to contract, the valve closes tightly to efficiently pump blood out of the left ventricle and perfuse all the vital organs. If the mitral valve cannot completely close, some blood may flow backward into the left atrium during the contraction phase, resulting in a condition called mitral valve regurgitation (MR). MR can cause edema in the lungs, liver, and lower legs. Additionally, the heart may become enlarged as it tries to compensate for the extra load caused by the backward flow of blood. Ultimately, this can lead to more serious heart problems, such as heart failure, arrhythmia, stroke, and even sudden death.

Mitral regurgitation can be classified as acute or chronic, as well as primary or secondary. Common causes include mitral valve prolapse, degenerative mitral valve disease, and dilated cardiomyopathy leading to functional MR, as well as infective endocarditis causing valvular damage. Your physicians and heart team will provide you and your family with detailed information regarding the severity and underlying cause of MR.

Mitral regurgitation: What kind of symptoms and how to treat?

Mitral valve regurgitation is a condition that typically progresses slowly and may be asymptomatic for many years. It is often detected by a heart murmur during a routine exam by a doctor. However, in some cases, it can develop quickly and cause sudden and severe symptoms. Although some people with severe mitral regurgitation may not have symptoms, there are several common signs to look out for, including shortness of breath, especially during exertion or lying down, fatigue or dizziness during increased activity, palpitations or a sensation of rapid, fluttering heartbeat, and swollen feet or ankles.

Treatment for mitral valve regurgitation depends on the severity of the condition. Patients with mild to moderate mitral regurgitation should schedule regular outpatient visits with a cardiologist and follow recommended health education and drug treatments. If the condition worsens, early surgical or transcatheter approaches for valve repair are highly recommended. It is important for patients to actively cooperate with their medical team to determine the most suitable treatment option. Our heart teams will evaluate each patient's condition in detail and provide the most appropriate treatment plan for their individual needs and preferences. Additionally, making lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and exercising regularly can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of mitral regurgitation.

Features

Trans-catheter edge-to edge repair is a minimal invasive and widely used procedure to treat patients with severe mitral or tricuspid regurgitation who are deemed to be high or prohibitive surgical risk.

Procedure

This procedure was done via femoral venous access. During the procedure, there is no need to use heart-lung machine and cease the heartbeat. This procedure is less invasive than open-heart surgery. Procedures may vary from person to person, but patients are usually released from the hospital within 2-3 days. From clinical data (EVERST II randomized control trial), about 85% of patients can maintain less than mild to moderate degree of mitral regurgitation. However, there was still some small number of patients who will need for re-intervention of the valve.

Notification

Our center is the only center which is certificated as “Center-of-Excellence” for trans-catheter edge-to-edge repair in Taiwan.

Potential risks and complications include

1. Bleeding
2. Infection
3. Clip embolization
4. Acute ischemic stroke
5. Conversion to surgery

Estimated cost

Please contact International Medical Services Center