Treatment FAQ

what is a treatment option for a patient with severe degenerative mitral

by Helene Greenholt Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is the preferred strategy for symptomatic patients with severe primary MR that are at high or prohibitive risk for surgical mitral valve repair.Jan 18, 2021

Full Answer

What is the recommended treatment for degenerative mitral valve disease?

The recommended treatment for degenerative mitral valve disease is mitral valve reconstruction, as opposed to valve replacement with a bioprosthetic or mechanical valve, because valve repair is associated with improved event free survival.

How do you get rid of mitral regurgitation?

Cutting back on alcohol. Heavy alcohol use can cause arrhythmias and can make your symptoms worse. Excessive alcohol use can also cause cardiomyopathy, a condition of weakened heart muscle that leads to mitral regurgitation. Ask your doctor about the effects of drinking alcohol.

What is the spectrum of degenerative mitral valve disease?

The spectrum of degenerative mitral valve disease. Mitral valve prolapse due to degenerative disease is defined by a spectrum of lesions, varying from simple chordal rupture involving prolapse of an isolated segment (most commonly the middle scallop of the posterior leaflet) in an otherwise normally shaped valve,...

Do cardiologists increase the rate of mitral valve repair in degenerative disease?

The cardiologist's role in increasing the rate of mitral valve repair in degenerative disease. Curr Opin Cardiol. 2008;23:105–110.doi:10.1097/HCO.0b013e3282f4fe47. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] 44.

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What is the treatment for severe mitral stenosis?

In severe cases, surgery might be necessary. Your doctor might be able to surgically repair your existing mitral valve to make it function properly. If that isn't possible, you may need to have your mitral valve replaced with a new one. The replacement might be either biological or mechanical.

What is a degenerative mitral valve?

Degenerative valve disease is a condition that leads to degeneration of the heart valves. In the vast majority of cases it involves the valve separating the left part of the heart into left atrium and left ventricle – the mitral valve. For this reason it is often referred to as mitral valve disease (MVD).

What treatment is used for mitral regurgitation?

Diuretics that help reduce the buildup of fluids in the body and swelling in the legs and feet. Blood thinners to prevent with clots. Beta blockers that help control your heart rate. Hypertension drugs to keep your blood pressure stable.

How do you treat moderate to severe mitral regurgitation?

Medications to treat symptoms and prevent complications, such as blood clots. Surgery to repair or replace the mitral valve....Types of medications that may be prescribed for mitral valve regurgitation include:Diuretics. ... Blood thinners (anticoagulants). ... Blood pressure medications.

What causes degenerative mitral valve disease?

DMR is caused by valvular or chordal degeneration with core mechanism of systolic excessive leaflet movement defined by a prolapse in left atrium ≥2 mm, which can affect one or both leaflets and one or multiple scallops.

When does a mitral valve need to be replaced?

Mitral valve repair is a durable solution for treating mitral valve disease. Most people (95%) can go at least 10 years without needing another surgery. Almost as many (90%) can go 20 years. Most people don't need another mitral valve surgery after a successful repair.

Does severe mitral regurgitation require surgery?

Severe mitral valve regurgitation often requires a catheter procedure or heart surgery to repair or replace the mitral valve. Without proper treatment, severe mitral valve regurgitation can cause heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) or heart failure.

What is considered severe mitral regurgitation?

For moderate and greater mitral regurgitation, there are several features of the heart scan that are taken together to determine the severity. In moderate mitral regurgitation around 30% of the blood in the heart is leaking backwards. In severe mitral regurgitation about 50% of blood in the heart is leaking backward.

What is the best medication for mitral regurgitation?

What kinds of medications treat mitral valve regurgitation?Diuretics that help reduce the buildup of fluids in the body and swelling in the legs and feet.Blood thinners to prevent with clots.Beta blockers that help control your heart rate.Hypertension drugs to keep your blood pressure stable.

Can a mitral valve be fixed without surgery?

The Structural Heart and Valve Center at NYP/Columbia has long been a leader in catheter-based treatment—the least invasive therapy—to repair the mitral valve. This valve regulates blood flow between the upper and the lower chambers on the left side of the heart.

What are the symptoms of severe mitral valve regurgitation?

Mitral Valve Regurgitation SymptomsShortness of breath: You may have trouble breathing, especially during exercise.Heart palpitations: You may notice a fluttering sensation in your heart, especially when lying on your left side.Swelling of hands and feet: Extremities may swell when blood flow is disturbed.More items...

What should I avoid if I have mitral valve regurgitation?

Eating well: You need to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. You'll need to limit salt, added sugars, saturated and trans fats, and alcohol.

How to repair mitral valve?

If your surgeon needs to repair your mitral valve through tiny incisions (without opening up your chest), here are minimally invasive surgical options: 1 Right mini-thoracotomy. The surgeon inserts special instruments and repairs the valve through a 2- to 3-inch incision in a skin fold on the right side of the chest. 2 Partial upper sternotomy. This also involves a 2- to 3-inch incision, this time in the upper portion of the sternum. This gives the surgeon easier access to repair the valve. 3 Robotically assisted mitral valve repair. In this case, your surgeon works through a few incisions of about 1 inch or less. With a computer console, the surgeon can control instruments on thin robotic arms. This allows him or her to open the thin sac around your heart to perform the repair.

What is the mitral valve?

The mitral valve allows oxygen-rich blood flowing from the lungs to return to the heart. “The most common valve problem is leakage, also known as mitral valve regurgitation ,” Dr. Kapadia says. “If the blood leaks back into the lungs, it causes you to have shortness of breath.”.

How does a robotic mitral valve repair work?

In this case, your surgeon works through a few incisions of about 1 inch or less. With a computer console, the surgeon can control instruments on thin robotic arms. This allows him or her to open the thin sac around your heart to perform the repair.

Is mitral valve surgery life threatening?

If failing health or a weak heart makes open surgery a higher risk for you, there are safer surgical options. “In some situations, mitral valve disease is not life threatening and does not require surgery,” Dr. Kapadia says.

Can a surgeon repair a mitral valve?

Medication is sometimes a solution, but surgeons also may use minimally invasive options to repair the mitral valve. Researchers are also investigating several promising mitral valve replacement options. “Percutaneous (through the skin) mitral valve repair and replacement techniques are rapidly growing. They help patients who currently do not have ...

Can mitral valve disease be solved?

While mitral valve disease can lead to severe heart failure, it can often be solved with open surgery. But, what if you are unable to undergo major surgery because of other health issues?

Can you use a ring to repair a leaking mitral valve?

It is FDA- approved for patients with severely leaking valves who are at high risk for conventional surgery. Percutaneous rings. There are ways to repair mitral valves using rings that can be inserted through the groin or neck veins to help the valve close better. They are available under clinical trials at this time.

How to treat mitral valve disease?

Mitral valve disease treatment depends on your symptoms, the severity of the condition, and if your condition is getting worse. A doctor trained in heart disease (cardiologist) will provide your care. Treatment may include: Monitoring your condition with regular follow-up appointments. Making healthy lifestyle changes.

How to repair a mitral valve?

To repair a mitral valve, surgeons may patch holes in a valve, reconnect valve flaps (leaflets), separate valve leaflets that have fused, replace the cords that support the valve, or remove excess valve tissue so that the leaflets can close tightly.

What is the best way to diagnose mitral valve disease?

Diagnosis. Your doctor may evaluate your signs and symptoms and conduct a physical examination. In a physical examination, your doctor will likely listen for a heart murmur, as this can be a sign of a mitral valve condition. Your doctor may order several tests to diagnose your condition. Echocardiography.

What test is used to check for mitral valve?

Your doctor may order several tests to diagnose your condition. Tests may include: Echocardiography. Sound waves are used to produce video images of your heart in motion. This test helps your doctor get a close look at the mitral valve and how well it's working. Doctors may also use a 3D echocardiogram or another type of echocardiogram called ...

Where do they make small incisions for heart surgery?

Minimally invasive heart surgery. In minimally invasive heart surgery, surgeons make small incisions in the side of your chest, between your ribs, to reach your heart. Surgeons conduct the procedure using long instruments. Your mitral valve may eventually need to be repaired or replaced.

What is the procedure to inject dye into the heart?

If you are unable to exercise, medications to mimic the effect of exercise on your heart may be used. Cardiac catheterization. In this procedure, a doctor threads a thin tube (catheter) through a blood vessel in your arm or groin to an artery in your heart and injects dye through the catheter.

Can a doctor replace a mitral valve?

Doctors may suggest mitral valve repair or replacement even if you aren't having symptoms, as this may prevent complications and improve outcomes. If you need surgery for another heart condition, your doctor may repair or replace the diseased mitral valve at the same time.

What kind of doctor treats mitral valve regurgitation?

A doctor trained in heart disease (cardiologist) will provide your care. If you have mitral valve regurgitation, consider being treated at a medical center with a multidisciplinary team of doctors and medical staff trained and experienced in evaluating and treating heart valve disease.

What is the sound of blood leaking backwards through the mitral valve?

Mitral valve regurgitation usually produces a sound of blood leaking backward through the mitral valve (heart murmur). Your doctor will then decide which tests are needed to make a diagnosis. For testing, you may be referred to a cardiologist.

How do surgeons repair valves?

Surgeons can repair the valve by reconnecting valve flaps (leaflets), replacing the cords that support the valve, or removing excess valve tissue so that the leaflets can close tightly. Surgeons may often tighten or reinforce the ring around a valve (annulus) by implanting an artificial ring (annuloplasty band).

Can a mitral valve be repaired?

Your mitral valve may need to be repaired or replaced. Doctors may suggest mitral valve repair or replacement even if you aren't experiencing symptoms, as this may prevent complications and improve outcomes. If you need surgery for another heart condition, your doctor may repair or replace the diseased mitral valve at the same time.

How to improve blood flow in valve?

Improved blood flow through the valve can be accomplished by surgically separating the valve’s leaflets, removing tissues that obstruct the valve or making adjustments to the fibers ( chords) that hold the base of the valve’s flaps to the heart. A valve repair may not last or be successful and may need to be repeated.

What is the drug used to control an irregular heartbeat?

Anti-arrhythmics: Drugs to control an irregular heartbeat, such as the too-fast heart rhythm of atrial fibrillation (AF) Antibiotics: Drugs to prevent bacterial infection of your heart valve, which you need to take before surgery or teeth cleaning.

How is a valvuloplasty balloon positioned?

The valvuloplasty balloon is passed through the wall and positioned across the narrow mitral valve.

What is the name of the ultrasound that is performed in the morning of a heart surgery?

A special echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) will be performed the morning of, or in the weeks prior to, the procedure. This test is called a transesophageal echocardiogram. The patient is put to sleep with medication and a small ultrasound probe is passed down the swallowing tube ( esophagus ).

Can a cardiologist repair a mitral valve?

If tests show minor or moderate narrowing of the mitral valve, your cardiologist may recommend monitoring your condition during regular check-ups. Some people never require replacement or repair of their mitral valve because they never develop severe mitral stenosis.

Can a mitral valve be opened?

Mitral Valvuloplasty for Mitral Valve Stenosis. Mitral valvuloplasty is a non-surgical procedure that may be used to open a narrow valve within the heart. The procedure can be performed on the same day of admission to the hospital and although some patients may be discharged at the end of the day, people usually stay the night in the hospital.

What is the difference between mitral regurgitation and mitral stenosis?

There are two types of mitral valve disease — mitral regurgitation (MR) and mitral stenosis (MS). Mitral regurgitation means the mitral valve leaflets do not come together to create a seal to stop blood from going back from the heart toward the lungs. Mitral stenosis means the mitral valve leaflets are scarred and do not open very well, ...

Why do people develop mitral stenosis?

Others develop it because of a combination of age and illnesses that cause calcium and scar tissue to form on the mitral valve and the area around it.

What is a PMBV?

Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty for patients with mitral stenosis. Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) uses a tiny balloon on the end of a catheter to open the mitral valve.

What does it mean when you have a scar on your mitral valve?

Mitral stenosis means the mitral valve leaflets are scarred and do not open very well, causing blood to back up into the lungs. Both MR and MS can cause you to be short of breath, have fatigue that gets worse and have swelling in your abdomen, legs and feet.

What is the best treatment for high risk patients?

If you are high-risk because of your age, health problems or other reasons, your best treatment option may be a catheter-based procedure . These include the FDA-approved MitraClip and transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR), which is a clinical trial-based treatment option.

Where is the mitral valve catheter inserted?

The catheter is inserted into a vein though an incision at the top of your thigh. Your doctor uses X-rays and echocardiography to guide the fdevice to your mitral valve. TheMitraClip is placed at the edges of the valve so they can come together and keep blood from flowing backward.

Is mitral regurgitation degenerative?

Mitral Regurgitation. Mitral regurgitation can be degenerative (DMR) or functional (FMR). If you have MR, you will have an echocardiogram and other tests to find out which type it is. Your doctor will consider the type of MR you have, along with other factors, to help you choose the best treatment option (s) for you.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

  • You'll have regular follow-up appointments with your health care provider to monitor your condition. It's also important to make heart-healthy lifestyle changes, including: 1. Eating a heart-healthy diet.Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, poultry, fish, and whole grains. Avoid saturated and trans fat, and excess salt and sugar. 2. Maintaining a hea…
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Coping and Support

  • If you have mitral valve disease, here are some steps that may help you manage your condition: 1. Take medications as prescribed.Take your medications as directed by your health care provider. 2. Get support.Having support from your family and friends can help you cope with your condition. Ask your health care provider about support groups that may...
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Preparing For Your Appointment

  • If you think you have mitral valve disease, make an appointment to see your health care provider. Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.
See more on mayoclinic.org

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