Expanding treatment horizons: transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve replacement in bridging to heart transplant

Abstract

Transcatheter mitral valve (MV) replacement is an option in complex MV disease with potentially more predictable treatment outcomes and less invasiveness that increases the treatment spectrum to high-risk or non-surgical patients. We present an interesting case of failed MV bioprosthesis who presented with progressively worsening heart failure for heart transplant evaluation, but was successfully managed with transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve replacement (TMViVR). This case illustrates the pivotal role of TMViVR utilization in addressing complex cardiac scenarios, particularly when re-operative surgical MV replacement poses a high risk and also bridging the gap between the present and future heart transplantation preparations by paving the way for a well-prepared patient in the subsequent phase. The lifetime disease management and patient-centric approach with meticulous risk assessment reinforces the importance of shared decision-making in complex cases.