If you’re living with a serious heart valve condition, M-TEER may offer a life-changing treatment

Open-heart surgery is a scary term for any patient to hear. Noah Thormeier, DO, Interventional Cardiologist, Trinity Health Medical Group, Cardiology – Muskegon, shares information about an innovative procedure now being performed at Trinity Health Muskegon that is taking some of that fear away for patients dealing with mitral valve regurgitation, a serious heart valve condition. 

What Is Mitral Valve Regurgitation?

Mitral valve regurgitation occurs when the heart's mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to leak backward instead of moving efficiently through the heart and out to the body. Over time, this can force the heart to work harder and may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, irregular heart rhythms and even heart failure. Many people may not realize they have the condition until symptoms become more severe. 

M-TEER: A New Tool in Our Toolkit

Previously, open-heart surgery was the primary treatment for fixing mitral valve regurgitation. Now, we have Mitral Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair, or M-TEER.

During this minimally invasive procedure, a catheter is inserted through a vein in the leg and guided to the heart. A specialized device is then used to bring the valve leaflets closer together, helping the valve close more effectively and reducing the amount of blood leaking backward. The goal is to improve blood flow, reduce symptoms and help patients return to their daily activities with less strain on their heart.

Is M-TEER Right for You?

Mitral valve regurgitation often impacts older adults or individuals with other medical conditions – both of whom are at added risk for complications during open-heart surgery. Because M-TEER is a minimally invasive procedure, it decreases risk of complications so it can be an excellent option for these patients.

The Benefits Don't Stop There

Since there is no need to open the chest, patients treated with the M-TEER procedure often experience shorter hospital stays, less discomfort and a faster recovery compared to traditional open-heart surgery. In fact, many patients notice improvements in breathing, energy levels and overall quality of life within weeks of treatment.
And our multidisciplinary structural heart and valve care team at Trinity Health Heart Center - Muskegon supports patients every step of the way, from diagnosis through recovery, rehabilitation and long-term follow-up care.

Already Seeing the Impact

After six months of planning, preparation and training, my team performed two M-TEER procedures at Trinity Health Muskegon on June 16. These were the first M-TEER procedures at a Trinity Health hospital in West Michigan – with the procedure previously performed at Trinity Health Ann Arbor.

Could M-TEER Be Right for You?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mitral valve regurgitation or another heart valve condition, a structural heart evaluation can help determine the most appropriate treatment options. Our specialists can assess your condition, answer your questions and create a personalized care plan.

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