Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair in patients with acute decompensated heart failure due to severe mitral regurgitation

Background: Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER) has been established as a therapy for severe symptomatic mitral regurgitation (MR) in stable patients, and it has recently emerged as a reasonable option for acutely ill patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TEER in hospitalized patients with acute decompensated heart failure (HF) and severe MR that was deemed to play a major role in their deterioration. Methods: We included 31 patients who underwent emergent TEER for MR ≥ 3+ from 2012 to 2022 at Sheba Medical Center. Outcomes included procedural safety, procedural success, all-cause mortality, HF readmission, and functional improvement. Outcomes were evaluated at 3 months and at 1 year. Data were obtained retrospectively by chart review. Results: Implantation of a TEER device was achieved in 97% of patients, and reduction in MR severity of at least two grades and final MR ≤ 2+ at discharge was achieved in 74%. No intra-procedural mortality or life-threatening complications were noted. Mortality at 30 days was 23%. No excess mortality occurred beyond 6 months, with a total mortality of 41%. At 1 year all survivors had MR ≤ 2+, all were free of HF hospitalizations, and 88% were at New York Heart Association class ≤ II. Conclusions: Mitral valve TEER for patients with acute decompensated HF and significant MR is safe, feasible, and achieves substantial reduction in MR severity. Despite high early mortality, procedural success is associated with good long-term clinical outcomes for patients surviving longer than 6 months.