Physicians Regional’s Heart Center Expands Treatment Options for Leaking Valve

What was once an open-heart surgery to repair a leaking mitral valve can now be done via a relatively minor procedure, with patients going home the same day.

Mitral regurgitation, which occurs when the mitral valve doesn’t close properly and allows a small amount of blood to flow backwards in the heart, is the most common valve disorder in the U.S., says the National Institutes of Health. More than 2 million individuals are affected, and one study suggests that more than 10% of those age 75 and older experience mitral regurgitation.

Not all cases of mitral valve regurgitation need treatment. Some can be minor, especially in the earlier stages, but if left untreated over time can lead to more serious conditions like heart failure. In addition, when treatment is sought, patients may not be the best candidates for surgery.

That’s where a Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair procedure can be beneficial. It improves quality of life for patients - especially those at high risk. The interdisciplinary team at Physicians Regional’s Heart Center recently completed the first procedure, which involves securing a clip to the mitral valve to help it close more completely. This helps restore normal blood flow within the heart, and to the rest of the body. The clip is connected to a catheter that is inserted through a vein in the leg and guided to the heart.

“We are excited to be able to offer this new treatment to not only help improve the quality of life for patients, but to help save lives for those at high-risk who may not have had a safe alternative,” said Ron Caputo, M.D., interventional cardiologist and Medical Director of the Structural Heart Program at Physicians Regional. 

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair has been shown to reduce hospitalizations and reduce mortality rates among those who undergo the procedure.

“We are grateful for the dedication and experience of our multidisciplinary heart team,” said Physicians Regional Market CEO Scott Lowe. “This advanced technology helps Physicians Regional Heart Center stay on the forefront of cardiac care in Collier County.”

For more information about the structural heart program at Physicians Regional, visit PhysiciansRegional.com/cardiac-care.