Details.
A minimally invasive procedure for high surgical risk patients with symptomatic deterioration after tissue mitral valve replacement. Access may be through the blood vessels in the groin or through the chest apex. The procedure includes evaluation of cardiac CT and echocardiography results to determine suitability, trans-septal catheter access, deployment of an Edwards SAPIEN valve inside the failing surgical valve, close monitoring for one to two days, and a comprehensive echocardiogram within 24 hours after the procedure.