Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement: State of the Art

The emergence of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has segued the development of transcatheter mitral valve (MV) repair devices. Transcatheter mitral valve repair has become a well-established alternative for patients with severe primary and secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) and with a perceived surgical risk. Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) could become a more complete form of reduction of severe MR compared to MV repair devices, albeit with significant engineering challenges and all the risks associated with a bioprosthetic heart valve. The development of TMVR devices has become prominent while companies race to become the first commercially available system. Careful consideration of design challenges should be conducted by the developmental companies to ensure successful devices. Preclinical and clinical trials have shown promising results, showcasing the feasibility of total valve replacement utilizing transcatheter procedure techniques. Further development, testing, and trials need to be conducted before TMVR can become a sensible MR treatment. This review describes design challenges and considerations along with the state of the art, involving designs in both clinical and preclinical stages.