I recently had a Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR )

I'd like to tag @gabyroger, @sandyjg, and @in2dabluz to this discussion. You met them in the in the "Calling all Mitral Valve Replacement" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/calling-all-mitral-valve-replacement-patients/ discussion.

@camaroyo - Is this procedure different from other methods that you may or may not be familiar with? When this particular approach was explained to you, did they talk about it's success rate or prognosis in comparison to other types?

Yes. My first heart surgery was open heart, where they “cracked open” my chest. This time they were able to perform my heart surgery through the groin. I stayed overnight and was home the next day and could breathe fine. It improved my serious situation quickly. Also it was fully explained how it was done and its prognosis. My thoracic surgeon was on stand-by so in case there was a situation and I required open heart surgery again, but thankfully all went very smooth

Wow, that sounds like an amazing way to get a new valve! I was just advised that I need a Mitral Valve Replacement surgery. I am a 74 year old petite woman, I have osteoporosis, and I consider myself to be frail, and I am looking for the best way to get the new valve. Without having open heart surgery. Thanks for the information. Take care!!

Hi @bitsysmom24, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! You have come to the right place to find others dealing with Mitral Valve Replacement surgery.

I am tagging @bitsysmom24 because I think that is who you are trying to reply to, and this way they have the best chance of seeing your comment.

It sounds like you have another question to add to your list to talk to your doctor about, perhaps avoiding open heart surgery. Do you have other concerns? What is the timeline of needing your valved replaced?

I'm supposed to have mine worked on, and I'm not sure I want it done out here in Oregon at OHSU. My wife doesn't trust them, having lost one of her business clients on the operating table getting heart surgery. My dad actually used to be friends with one of the Mayo brothers and always had great respect for the institution.

I tend to wait too long for many things and my regurgitation now is considered severe as is my heart enlargement to compensate. That has made the tricuspid regurgitation moderate even though it appears the valve isn't damaged. I was in a bad car accident 15 years or so ago and ended up unconscious after my chest plowed into the steering column. Unfortunately, no one thought to check my heart, even though I told them my pulse was all over the place when I was regaining consciousness, and then I saw stars for months after and I spent months being short of breath.

I'm just wondering if people think it is worth taking the cross-country trek to get this worked on back in Minnesota. It's where I grew up, but I haven't been there in many years. I know the Mayo Clinic's reputation is top-rate, and my wife, for some odd reason, would prefer to see me more alive than dead..

@bitsysmom24
Geez, I just realized I typed in your name instead of tagging @camaroyo like I intended.

Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, @twilde I am glad your car accident all those years ago was not worse, that you are here today. It sounds like you have waited long enough and it’s time to help your heart out a bit.

You may be interested to review this recent article if you haven’t seen it.
- Transcatheter Valve Replacement in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease—The Mayo Clinic Experience (Oct 2025, may still be helpful even though yours is not congenital) https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.125.015667

Small world, I made a trip to Mayo Clinic MN a couple years ago to be with a friend from Dallas, Oregon having surgery. I am a patient there as well.

You mention interest in looking into Mayo Clinic to address your regurgitation. I would recommend them, and I cannot think of a downside of exploring the option of Mayo Clinic. You can use this link: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

Have you seen a cardiologist recently to know what needs done?

@jlharsh Hi, yes I I had the aortic heart valve surgery the 2nd heart surgery, thru the groin. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask me. Short story..I had the surgery in Feb of 2024. Quick and easy but needed adjustment cause gradient went back up band after Dr adjusted meds etc all has been fine since.

@jlharsh I've been procrastinating for two years after the initial advice that surgery would be required by my cardiologist. I've been building my retirement house and that has kept me busy. I always thought that pushing your heart and keeping it in great shape would be a positive. But at my visit a few days ago they said I might haver been overdoing it. The muscle itself is in great shape, but the valves are so bad the heart is getting really big trying to compensate. Oh well, so much for that vigorous exercise stuff. I'm going to talk with the surgeon out here and then explore other possibilities.

Strong heart muscle will be helpful for you and it sounds like surgery will address the rest, @twilde. I look forward to hearing what you learn and eventually decide. I hope you come back and provide updates as you go through the process.