Details.
A procedure for high surgical risk patients with symptomatic valve deterioration after tissue mitral valve replacement. Access may be through blood vessels in the groin or through the chest, avoiding open-chest surgery, stopping the heart, and cardiopulmonary bypass. The care team evaluates cardiac CT and echocardiography results to determine suitability, remains in contact with the patient, family, and referring physician during the workup and hospital stay, and monitors patients for one to two days after the procedure. A comprehensive echocardiogram is performed within 24 hours to assess the new mitral valve and check for complications.