Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement: An Alternate Treatment Methodology for Patients at High Surgical Risk

Mitral valve regurgitation (MVR) is the reverse passage of blood through the mitral valve when the valve fails to close during ventricle contraction. Transcatheter mitral valve repair and replacement (TMVR) is a recent technology that can benefit MVR patients as an alternative, minimally invasive, and safer solution than conventional open-heart surgical approaches. TMVR uses a catheter guided by ultrasonography to replace or repair the defective valve and has provided better clinical outcomes, decreased hospital stay, and reduced mortality rates. Therefore, TVMR should be made possible worldwide, especially in South-Asian regions where heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation and stroke are major contributing factors in a high postoperative mortality rate.