How to get evaluated for TEER

By ShareMD Connect

Treating your mitral regurgitation may require surgery to repair the valve. If that’s the case, you could be a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure called TEER which stands for Transcatheter Edge to Edge Repair (also referred to as TMVr or MitraClip). This means your valve can be repaired through a small access point in your groin, and you could potentially avoid open heart surgery. But not everyone will qualify for the procedure. You’ll have to be evaluated by a cardiologist or heart valve team to determine if you are. Here’s how to do that.

Step 1. Find out if you qualify for surgery to repair your mitral valve

Because there are different causes of mitral regurgitation, doctors use different criteria to determine the best timing to operate and repair the valve. But generally speaking, surgery may be indicated for those with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation and have evidence of structural changes happening to the heart.

Step 2. If you qualify for surgery, ask your cardiologist if you qualify for TEER

TEER (or TMVr) may be an option for people with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation who are too high risk for open heart surgery or those with continued symptoms despite a specific heart failure medication regimen. After thoroughly evaluating your medical history and various tests, a specially trained heart team can help determine if you are a candidate. There are several factors they take into consideration, such as your age and heart condition.

Step 3. If the answer is no, get a second opinion

If you haven’t already been to a heart valve center, but your cardiologist is saying you aren’t a candidate for TEER, then it’s a good idea to get a second opinion from a heart valve team. This team of surgeons and interventional cardiologists works together to assess your condition and determine whether or not you’re eligible for TEER. 

If you’re looking for a heart valve center on your own, there is a set of standards defined by the Mitral Foundation and the American Heart Association. This is a good starting point to gather information about heart valve centers near you. 

But you can also search for this information yourself. Here is a good resource to help you get started: https://www.cardiosmart.org/find-your-heart-a-home. 

Step 4. If the answer is yes, start asking questions

If your cardiologist has said that you are a candidate for TEER, that’s a great start! But before you jump into getting this procedure, there are some questions you need to ask your surgeon. 

Here's a good resource to help you know what questions to ask and keep track of the answers.

If you’re having a hard time finding out how to get evaluated for TEER, ShareMD can help. ShareMD is built on qualified, US-based nurses who are here to connect you with the quality care you need. Our team has decades of experience working in cardiology and understands the importance of finding the right provider.

Connecting with us is as simple as having a conversation. During a free, confidential phone call, you can confidently explain your situation and get help finding a solution. Our nurses will listen to your needs and work with you to find providers that could be a good fit. And, if you decide to, we can even help you set up an appointment.