Introduction on Transcatheter Mitral Valve Devices - Functional Mechanical Designs
Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a complex disorder requiring the understanding of mitral anatomy and pathophysiology. With the increasing patient population of mitral regurgitation, both functional and degenerative types, and our desire for less invasive treatment approaches, transcatheter mitral valve therapies (TMVT) have emerged. After more than a decade of advancements, development in TMVT still remains in its infancy. Initial therapies were focused on the surgical predicate of repair rather than replacement; now more recent designs on percutaneous mitral valve replacement and access approaches, in particular transapical, are leading advancements in the field. This review is written for the interventionist to understand the intricate mitral anatomy/pathophysiology and the associated functional mechanical designs of current active TMVT.