TMVR FAQs
MitraClip® Questions & Answers
TMVR with the MitraClip is a minimally invasive technique for repairing the mitral valve that doesn’t require open-heart surgery. Learn the answer to frequently asked questions about TMVR, the MitraClip device and the benefits for patients with mitral valve conditions.
MitraClip is a small metal clip covered with a thin polyester fabric that’s implanted on your mitral valve. This FDA-approved device is inserted through a catheter (thin tube), so there’s no need for open-heart surgery. Up to four different clip sizes are available to treat a variety of valve sizes and conditions.
The MitraClip procedure usually takes three to four hours, but the length may vary depending on the severity of the condition and differences in anatomy.
Contact your health plan for coverage and cost information about TMVR with the MitraClip.
- For Medicare assistance, call 1.800.MEDICARE (1.800.633.4227) or visit medicare.gov.
- For Medicaid assistance, contact your state’s Medicaid agency; for a list by state, visit medicaid.gov.
Mercy heart specialists will evaluate each patient to determine whether they are a candidate for this minimally invasive option. TMVR is often an effective treatment option for people who can’t undergo open-heart surgery.
You may feel a difference right after your TMVR procedure. Many people who undergo the MitraClip procedure notice immediate improvement in symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. The MitraClip improves mitral valve function, which can make a significant difference in your quality of life. The full benefits of TMVR with the MitraClip are usually experienced within six months of having the procedure.
No, you won’t be able to feel the MitraClip implant at all.
It is possible to have an MRI scan but be sure to let the MRI facility and your technician know you have a MitraClip device. After your procedure, you’ll receive an implant card describing the types of MRIs you're able to receive. When imaging tests are performed, adjustments may be needed for your safety.
Yes, you can expect improvements with the MitraClip. A clinical study found heart failure patients with mitral regurgitation (leaky valves) treated with both the MitraClip and medication showed improvement over those treated with medication alone. Study participants experienced increased longevity, fewer hospitalizations, a better quality of life and very few complications.
