Your M-TEER Surgery: What To Expect and FAQs

JUMP TO:

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is one of the most prevalent valvular heart diseases in the US, with a poor prognosis if left untreated.

If you have MR and were determined to be too high risk for open heart surgery, a procedure called Mitral Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair, or M-TEER, may be the best option for you. If you are intermediate or lower surgical risk, there may be clinical trials that you can enroll in to get M-TEER.

Advantages of M-TEER:

Improved quality of life
Reduced MR
Shorter hospital stay
Faster recovery
Longer survival

Before Your Procedure

Our team will ask about your symptoms and may schedule you for the following tests on the same day:

Echo, an ultrasound of the heart
CT scan to assess your vascular anatomy
Blood work (no fasting required), EKG, and urine test

You may need a cardiac catheterization to check for coronary artery disease

Your case will be reviewed during our weekly meeting. We will share our recommendations within 2 days of the meeting.

The Procedure

Your procedure is performed in the cardiac cath lab under general anesthesia. You will be completely asleep.

M-TEER is performed through the groin. A catheter is placed into a large vein, which reaches up to the heart. A small clip is implanted to repair the mitral valve. The clip becomes a permanent part of your heart and reduces backward blood flow.

On average, the procedure lasts anywhere from 1-3 hours

After Your Procedure

You’ll still be sleepy as the sedation medicine wears off. You’ll likely be out of bed 4-6 hours of monitoring and go home the next day.

Symptoms will start to improve immediately. You’ll follow up with your cardiologist once you are discharged from the hospital. You will be asked to limit strenuous activity for at least 30 days.

You will need antibiotics for dental procedures to avoid potential infection.

M-TEER Heart Valve Procedure FAQs

Q: What is M-TEER?

M-TEER is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a tube through a blood vessel up to the heart. A clip device is then inserted through the tube and clips the valve flaps together to improve valve closure and decrease valve leakage. This repairs the mitral valve without open heart surgery.

Q: Are there any complications?

M-TEER is considered a very safe procedure, but there are risks, which include: bleeding due to vascular injury or trauma, abnormal heart rhythm, and acute kidney failure.

Q: What kind of restrictions will I have after my M-TEER?

Rest and take it easy the first few days after and have someone stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. We recommend you walk at a pace at which you can still comfortably talk. Do not use alcohol, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours after discharge. Avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting (greater than 10 lbs) for at least one week. Do not drive for 1 week after your procedure. No sexual activity for 2 weeks.

Q: Do I need blood thinning medications after M-TEER?

Blood thinning medications are not required after the procedure

Q: Is M-TEER covered by insurance?

Yes.

Need a M-TEER Heart Valve Surgeon?

At NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, our cardiac surgeons are world-leaders in heart valve procedures.

If you or a loved one want our experts on your side, call (212) 305-2633 or use our appointment request form.

Resources

Heart Surgery Guides: What to Expect

Procedural Guides: What to Expect and FAQs

This content has been created by Columbia’s Health Guide Team. Learn more about our efforts to bring you the clearest, most accurate, and most human health resources available.