Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (TMVR) with MitraClip

You will stay in the hospital for three to five days with the first one to two days in the Cardiac Care Unit where your heart rhythm and rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and respiration rate will be monitored. When you are conscious you can begin a rehabilitation program by doing small exercises: opening and closing your hands and pointing and flexing your toes to stimulate circulation.  Patients normally experience pain at the insertion site, especially in the first 48-72 hours after the procedure. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage this. As your condition improves, the doctor will gradually remove monitoring equipment, as appropriate. When the breathing tube is removed, if you have any mucus, you must cough it out to prevent pneumonia. Take deep breaths every hour to prevent the lungs from collapsing. After the procedure you must lie flat with your legs extended for four to six hours to prevent bleeding where the catheter was inserted. It is normal to see some bruising at the insertion site. When it is safe for you, your doctor will allow you to first drink water and then eat food. When your doctor decides it is appropriate, you will be moved to an inpatient room for another two to three days to continue your rehabilitation with walking and exercise, after which you will be able to return home. Before you are discharged, your doctor will make follow-up appointments to continue monitoring your health.   After the procedure you may feel fatigued and can resume normal activities after two to four weeks. At your follow-up appointment, your doctor will perform a physical examination and check your incision. You will receive your procedure report and other relevant documents.  Activity. Avoid strenuous activity that involves pulling, pushing, or lifting, driving, and kneeling for at least one to two weeks as these can affect how the would heals. Wound care. When you are allowed to shower, be sure to do so daily with soap. Pat your incision dry and keep the area clean always. Avoid applying any lotions, creams, or powder to the incision until it is fully healed. Please contact your doctor if you have a fever, if the incision looks inflamed or swollen, if pain worsens, or if there is fluid leaking from the wound. Diet. Eat healthy foods, particularly food necessary to manage the disease. Eat a balanced diet and avoid foods that are too salty or fatty. Avoid foods that raise blood sugar. Exercise. Before you are discharged, you will be given instructions on exercising at home. In the first month after the procedure you must only walk for exercise. Please carefully follow the instructions of your doctor and cardiac rehabilitation team. Appointments. Please come to all follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms and check how your wound is healing. If you experience any abnormal symptoms, such as fever, difficulty breathing, feeling tired easily, chest pain, leg pain, or any other symptoms out of the ordinary, please see your doctor immediately.