Catheter-based implantation of a mitral valveHeart valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. It got its name because of its shape, which has a strong resemblance to a bishop’s mitre. prosthesisReplacement part for a missing or no longer functioning organ or body part, e.g. heart valve prosthesis. – TMVI

Both patients with mitral valve regurgitationInability of the heart valve to close. Inflammation or calcification can cause the leaflets of the heart valves to shrink, or the increase in size of the heart can cause the valve ring to widen. When closed, small gaps remain between the leaflets through which the blood flows back into the chamber. (leakage), mitral valve stenosisPathological narrowing of the heart valves caused by inflammation or calcium deposits. The blood flow is obstructed and the blood can only be forced through the narrowed valve with increased pressure. (narrowing) or patients after biological mitral valveValve. replacement with degeneration, i.e. narrowed or leaking prosthesis, can be offered catheter-based treatment procedures. Patients with mitral valve disease usually experience shortness of breath and a reduction in their physical performance.

For patients identified by the HEART team as being at increased surgical risk, the feasibility of a minimally invasiveThe outer or inner surface of the body is penetrated and thus injured, e.g. ultrasound is a non-invasive examination method, whereas cardiac catheterisation is an invasive one. therapeutic procedure, i.e. catheter-based implantation of a mitral valve prosthesis (TMVI), can be assessed.

To check the feasibility of TMVI surgery, a computer tomography (CTComputed tomography.) scan of the mitral valve and surrounding heart structures is performed, along with other tests. The CT scan measures the size of the mitral valve and shows its positional relationship to the surrounding heart structures. This information is needed to determine valve models and valve sizes.

Two hybrid operating theatres are available for TMVI procedures. The procedures are performed under general anaesthesiaDrug-induced and controlled unconsciousness with simultaneous suspension of pain sensation, muscle tension, defence reflexes and paralysis of the central nervous system. Only in such a condition can operations be performed on the heart. and echocardiographic (TOE; ultrasoundHigh-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to the human ear. Ultrasound is used for the non-invasive examination of the heart. See also Sonography. through the oesophagus) and fluoroscopic (X-ray fluoroscopy) control. The mitral valve is accessed either through the inguinal vessels and then through the atrial septumPartition between left and right atrium. or from the apex of the heart. Various prosthetic heart valves are available to treat either diseases of previously untreated mitral valves or biological mitral valve prostheses that are exhibiting signs of degeneration.