Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair
Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair, or TEER, is a minimally invasive treatment for mitral valve regurgitation—the most common type of heart valve disease.
Here’s more about how TEER works and how to request an appointment with Hunterdon Cardiovascular Associates if you need treatment for a valvular heart condition.
What Is Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair?
TEER is primarily used to treat mitral valve regurgitation—a condition in which the valve between the heart’s left chambers doesn’t close properly. This can cause blood to flow backward, forcing the heart to work harder at pumping blood throughout the body.
TEER is a minimally invasive alternative to open heart surgery. It involves implanting a tiny device in the defective valve to help it function normally and restore proper blood flow. The goal of TEER is to improve heart function and reduce symptoms of mitral valve regurgitation, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and swelling in the feet and ankles.
Benefits of Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair
Minimally invasive procedures such as TEER are widely recognized for their ability to produce minimal pain, less downtime, and fewer complications than open surgery.
Here are some of the many benefits associated with TEER:
- It improves quality of life and in some cases, makes people live longer.
- It produces a fast recovery.
- It produces a short hospital stay.
- It poses fewer risks than open heart surgery.
- It’s linked to a lower rate of hospitalization for heart failure compared with medical therapy.
- It produces less scarring.
- It can enhance the quality of life for those with heart conditions.
How Is TEER Performed?
TEER is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about two to three hours to complete.
First, a heart specialist makes a tiny incision in the groin area to access the femoral vein, into which a small, thin catheter is placed. The catheter is threaded through this vein to the heart, where it is then used to make a tiny puncture in the thin layer of muscle between the heart’s chambers. X-ray and ultrasound are used to guide the catheter to the mitral valve and to implant the clip or device being used to improve valve functioning.
Next, the catheter is carefully removed from the femoral vein, and the incision near the groin is closed. This procedure may require a one- to two-night hospital stay to monitor for complications and ensure the heart valve is working properly.
TEER procedures at Hunterdon Cardiovascular Associates are performed by Venkatesh Alapati, MD, who leads the Valve Center at HCA. Dr. Alapati is an Interventional and Structural Cardiologist who specializes in the treatment of valvular heart disease.
Who Are Ideal Candidates for TEER?
Ideal candidates for TEER are typically those deemed to be at elevated risk for surgical mitral valve repair. Other candidates may include those with:
- Severe mitral regurgitation
- Mitral valve anatomy that is compatible with TEER
- Advanced heart failure
- Cardiomyopathy
- Congenital heart disease
In the event you are not eligible for TEER, a heart specialist or cardiologist can talk to you about other available treatment options.
Contact Hunterdon Cardiovascular Associates and our Valve Center today at (908) 788-1710 to find out whether you’re an ideal candidate for TEER. We can evaluate your condition and discuss the next best steps.
HCA is committed to providing the highest quality of care in a patient-centered environment. Our offices are conveniently located in Flemington, Clinton, and Bridgewater. We also have subspecialty offices available to ensure our patients receive the proper care for their condition.
