What Is TMVR?
The mitral valve sits between the heart two left chambers, controlling blood flow with every heartbeat. When it becomes diseased — too narrow, or leaking — TMVR offers a way to replace it through the blood vessels rather than through open-heart surgery.
How Is TMVR Done?
A catheter is inserted through a small incision, typically in the groin or, in some cases, directly through the chest wall (transapical access).
Live imaging guides the catheter to the mitral valve position.
A replacement valve is deployed inside the existing, damaged valve.
The new valve begins functioning immediately, restoring normal one-way blood flow.
Who Needs TMVR?
Patients with significant mitral valve disease (stenosis or regurgitation)
Patients considered high-risk for open-heart mitral valve surgery
Patients with a previously placed mitral valve or ring that has degenerated
What Are the Risks of TMVR?
Bleeding or vascular access site complications
Valve malposition or paravalvular leak
Irregular heart rhythms
Rare risk of injury to surrounding heart structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TMVR the same as TAVR?
No. TAVR treats the aortic valve; TMVR treats the mitral valve. Both use a similar catheter-based approach but address different valves and conditions.
How long does recovery from TMVR take?
Recovery is typically faster than open-heart surgery, though it can vary depending on the specific access route used and individual patient factors.
Who evaluates whether TMVR is right for a patient?
A multidisciplinary heart team — including the cardiologist, a cardiac surgeon, and an imaging specialist — reviews each case before recommending TMVR.
About Dr. Abhishek Rajpopat
Dr. Abhishek Rajpopat brings 14+ years of experience in cardiology, including 750+ TAVR procedures performed globally. He specializes in advanced structural heart procedures and follows a patient-centered approach focused on complete, individualized care. His work has been recognized with multiple honors, including a Gold Medal in Cardiology. To discuss whether this procedure is right for you or a family member, visit www.drabhishekrajpopat.com.
