Transapical Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) of the mitral valve using the V-Clamp system - A promising approach for minimally invasive cardiology in veterinary and experimental human medicine.

Abstract

Mitral valve (MV) regurgitation (MVR) is mainly associated with mitral valve leaflet prolapse. The leading cause of MV leaflet prolapse is degeneration of the mitral valve leaflets or functional MVR. Until recently, there has been a scarcity of surgical options for minimally invasive mitral valve repair in dogs. In contrast, humans often have forms of MVR that do not qualify for conventional heart surgery or existing minimally invasive mitral valve repair methods. Transapical Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) of the MV is an innovative new method that uses special clips that are inserted into the heart through apical punctures. This technique enables effective closure of the defective valve without necessitating a traditional thoracotomy or opening the heart. It is the first minimally invasive method for valve clamping in dogs and a new option available for humans suffering from severe MVR. In this article, we summarize the knowledge of TEER and its use in humans and dogs.