Life with heart disease and its physiological and psychological effects can be challenging, to say the least, especially when it comes to complications or conditions linked to the structure of the heart. In situations like these, diagnosis is only half the battle won. Traditional treatment options often demand a highly restricted post-procedure lifestyle and need extended periods of recovery. It can result in the simplest of daily activities becoming a challenge for the patient, which, in turn, affects recovery. The precautions, combined with the recovery duration, can take a toll on the patients’ and caregivers’ hearts and minds as they prepare for life post procedure. Fortunately, evolution in minimally-invasive procedures and innovative devices are changing this for patients with structural heart issues.

In the case of Mitral Valve Regurgitation (MVR), one of the most commonly found heart valve diseases, the effects can be far reaching and often progressive. When suffering from MVR, the valves of the heart don’t close completely and the blood regurgitates or flows backwards, causing a range of issues and even heart failure, if left untreated. Patients with a leaky mitral valve, located between the left ventricle and left atrium, may experience a range of symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, arrhythmia, fainting and palpitations. Since in this case, there isn’t enough blood being pumped out of the heart and into the body to meet its demands, it can greatly affect appetite, regular activities like the ability to exercise, and more, potentially imposing a multitude of limitations on the freedoms of day-to-day life.

Traditional treatment for MVR involves an open-heart procedure, limiting the option for treatment for a lot of patients due to potential complications from underlying conditions. However, there are new, minimally-invasive solutions for people with leaky valves, that help tackle the issue, while making it possible for them to get back on their feet quicker. Transcatheter mitral valve repair vastly reduces the risk of heart failure and duration of hospitalizations, usually requiring just a few days of hospitalization as opposed to months, empowering patients to become mobile faster. As per clinical studies, patients who opted for this clip-based heart valve repair device, compared to medication alone, were also 2.5 times more likely to experience a greater improvement in their quality of life. Minimally invasive procedures such as these tend to be better tolerated and safer, with studies suggesting substantial freedom from potential device-related complications after a year. 

When it comes to living an active, independent and fulfilling life, we understand that cardiac challenges can be limiting in many expected and unexpected ways. Fortunately, emerging technologies have made it possible for patients around the world to live better and not just longer, with innovative treatment options that enable quicker recoveries and better mobility.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive /for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.