Percutaneous Mitral Valve Technology: What Is on the Horizon?

Mitral valve disease is common, with mitral regurgitation (MR) being the most frequent pathology. The etiology of MR is diverse, but, if left untreated, MR results in left ventricular (LV) volume overload, leading to remodeling, dilation of the LV, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, and death. Mitral regurgitation is a high-risk diagnosis, yet a minority of symptomatic patients are referred for discussion of surgical treatment options. Percutaneous repair options are under development to address this clinical need and emphasize correction of the underlying anatomical pathology to restore mitral valve coaptation. Transcatheter mitral valve replacement is in the early stages of development and may prove safe and effective in certain patient populations. Investigational devices are challenging our current thinking about the management of mitral valve disease, and it will be the task of the multidisciplinary Heart Team to determine the right device for the right pathology.