TEER London: Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair TEER Surgery for Heart Valve Treatment
Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair, often referred to as TEER, is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment used to manage certain types of heart valve disease. It offers a catheter-based alternative to open cardiac surgery for carefully selected patients with significant valve regurgitation.
For those seeking specialist TEER London services, Dr. Charis Costopoulos offers consultations in London at OneWelbeck Heart Health (1 Welbeck Street). He is also Clinical Lead for Structural Heart Intervention at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge and performs interventional procedures including MitraClip implantation.
If you are unable to find a suitable time please contact us (here) to discuss availability
TEER is designed to reduce symptoms, improve functional capacity and support long-term heart health without the physical demands associated with conventional surgery. Patients are assessed individually to determine whether this approach is appropriate for their anatomy and clinical circumstances. From first consultation through to recovery, care is delivered with clarity, precision and attention to detail, ensuring every decision is guided by evidence and tailored to the individual.
What Is TEER and How Does the Procedure Work?
Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) is a catheter-based valve procedure developed to treat significant valve regurgitation. It is most frequently used for the mitral valve to treat mitral regurgitation in suitable patients, using a clip placed on the mitral valve leaflets to reduce the leak.
Valve regurgitation occurs when the valve does not close fully, allowing blood to leak backwards within the heart. Over time, this places strain on the cardiac chambers and may lead to breathlessness, fatigue, fluid retention and reduced exercise tolerance. Left untreated, advanced valve disease can contribute to heart failure and repeated hospital admissions.
The TEER procedure is performed in a specialist cardiac catheter laboratory within a hospital environment equipped for advanced structural heart interventions. A small incision is made in the groin to allow access to a vein. A thin catheter is then guided carefully to the heart under real-time imaging. Once positioned across the affected valve, a clip device is deployed to bring the valve leaflets together, reducing regurgitation and improving forward blood flow.
By creating a double opening within the valve, the technique restores more efficient function without the need for opening the chest or placing the patient on a heart-lung machine. The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic or deep sedation, depending on clinical factors. Continuous imaging ensures accurate placement and immediate assessment of results before completion.
TEER is not suitable for every form of valve disease. Careful imaging and specialist evaluation are required to confirm whether anatomy and overall health make this a safe and effective treatment option.
Who Is Suitable for TEER?
Careful patient selection is central to achieving good outcomes. TEER refers to transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair for suitable patients with mitral regurgitation.
You may be considered for TEER assessment if you have ongoing symptoms such as breathlessness or fatigue, have been advised that heart surgery carries increased risk, or wish to consider minimally invasive treatment alternatives within a specialist cardiac setting.
Suitability is determined through a structured and detailed evaluation. This includes a full clinical history, physical examination and cardiac imaging. Echocardiography provides initial insight into valve structure and severity of regurgitation. In many cases, a transoesophageal echocardiogram offers more precise anatomical detail. Additional imaging such as cardiac MRI may be arranged where appropriate.
Each case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary team that may include an experienced TEER consultant, interventional cardiologists, imaging specialists and cardiac surgeons. This collaborative approach ensures that recommendations are balanced, evidence-based and aligned with the patient’s overall condition.
For some patients, surgical repair or replacement remains the most appropriate option. For others, valve TEER offers symptom relief with lower procedural risk and a shorter recovery period. The aim is always to recommend the approach that offers the optimal balance of safety, durability and improvement in quality of life.
Mitral TEER: Treating Mitral Valve Regurgitation
Mitral TEER is the most established application of this technique and has been used widely in specialist cardiac centres across the UK. The mitral valve sits between the left atrium and left ventricle and plays a central role in maintaining forward blood flow throughout the body.
Mitral regurgitation occurs when the mitral valve fails to close effectively, allowing blood to leak backwards into the left atrium. This increases pressure within the heart and lungs, often leading to breathlessness, reduced stamina and fatigue. Over time, the heart may enlarge as it works harder to compensate.
Mitral TEER is performed by positioning a clip device across the mitral valve leaflets, creating improved leaflet coaptation and reducing backward flow. The most widely recognised device used for this purpose is the MitraClip, though TEER refers to the broader technique rather than a specific brand.
Patients who may benefit from Mitral TEER include those with degenerative mitral valve disease who are at increased surgical risk, as well as individuals with functional mitral regurgitation related to heart muscle weakness. In carefully selected cases, the procedure has been shown to improve symptoms, reduce hospital admissions and support better day-to-day function.
A detailed discussion during consultation covers expected benefits, procedural risks and long-term follow-up. Continued monitoring after the procedure ensures that valve function remains stable and that medication is optimised to support overall cardiac care.
Tricuspid Valve Disease: Assessment and Next Steps
The tricuspid valve is one of the four valves in the heart, and problems with valve function can lead to symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue and leg swelling. If tricuspid valve disease is suspected, assessment usually starts with a clinical review and echocardiography to clarify the cause and severity.
Tricuspid valve disease may develop as a primary problem affecting the valve leaflets themselves, or as a secondary issue related to enlargement of the right side of the heart. It is often associated with conditions such as atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension or longstanding left-sided valve disease. In many patients, symptoms progress gradually and may initially be attributed to ageing or reduced fitness, which makes careful evaluation particularly important.
During assessment, attention is given not only to the degree of regurgitation but also to right ventricular function, heart rhythm and evidence of fluid retention. Blood tests, ECG and, where required, more advanced imaging may form part of the overall review. The aim is to determine whether symptoms are truly driven by tricuspid valve dysfunction and whether intervention is likely to improve quality of life and long-term heart function.
Dr. Charis Costopoulos can diagnose and treat heart valve disease and advise on the most appropriate treatment for each individual. Where a treatment sits outside the scope of care in clinic, he works closely with a select team of cardiovascular experts and can arrange onward referral where appropriate. This ensures that patients receive coordinated, specialist input tailored to their specific cardiac condition and overall health profile.
The TEER London Consultation Process
Accessing private specialist cardiac care requires clarity and structured planning. The TEER London consultation pathway with Dr. Charis Costopoulos is designed to provide detailed assessment and clear explanation at every stage.
During your first appointment, your medical history is reviewed in depth, including previous investigations, medications and any history of cardiac surgery. Symptoms and their impact on daily activities are discussed thoroughly. Particular attention is given to how valve disease affects work, mobility and overall wellbeing.
Existing imaging is examined carefully, and further investigations may be arranged promptly if required. The goal is to develop a complete understanding of valve structure, heart function and procedural suitability before any recommendation is made.
Patients are encouraged to ask questions and to involve family members in discussions where appropriate. Treatment options, including medical management, surgical intervention and TEER, are explained clearly with reference to potential benefits and risks. This structured approach ensures that every patient receives a personalised plan based on clinical evidence and individual priorities.
Benefits of TEER Compared with Traditional Heart Surgery
Traditional cardiac surgery remains the gold standard for many forms of valve disease. However, for selected patients, TEER offers several practical and clinical advantages.
Because the procedure is performed through a small incision in the groin rather than through the chest, there is typically less physical trauma. Intensive care requirements are often reduced, and hospital stays are generally shorter. Many patients mobilise within hours and are discharged within a few days.
For individuals considered high risk for conventional heart surgery, the minimally invasive nature of TEER may allow treatment where surgery would otherwise carry prohibitive risk. This is particularly relevant for older patients or those with additional medical conditions such as lung or kidney disease.
Recovery tends to be smoother, with gradual improvement in symptoms over weeks following the procedure. That said, TEER does not replace surgery in all cases. In younger or lower-risk individuals, surgical repair may provide longer durability. A balanced discussion during consultation ensures that the chosen treatment aligns with long-term goals and overall health status.
Recovery after a TEER Procedure
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Recovery after the TEER procedure is usually straightforward and carefully monitored. Following the intervention, patients remain in hospital for observation, with heart rhythm and vital signs checked regularly. An echocardiogram is performed to confirm improvement in valve function.
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Medication adjustments may be required, including blood thinning therapy in some cases. Follow-up appointments assess symptom improvement, exercise tolerance and overall cardiac status. Ongoing imaging helps ensure that the repaired valve continues to function effectively.
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The small groin access site is monitored for healing, and patients are typically encouraged to sit up and mobilise within hours of the procedure. Light activity can usually be resumed within a few days, with gradual return to normal routines over the following weeks.
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Every recovery pathway is individual. Factors such as age, baseline heart function and the presence of other medical conditions influence progress. Clear communication and structured follow-up form part of the wider cardiac care plan to support long-term stability.
Clinic Locations
One Welbeck
📍1 Welbeck Street, Marylebone, London, W1G 0AR
Contact
07546 241017
Opening Hours
Monday
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
Book a Consultation with Dr Charis Costopoulos
If you have been diagnosed with mitral valve or tricuspid valve disease and wish to consider minimally invasive treatment options, a specialist assessment can clarify whether TEER is appropriate for your circumstances.
Dr. Charis Costopoulos provides private consultations in London OneWelbeck, and he is Clinical Lead for Structural Heart Intervention at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge. Each consultation is structured to provide detailed evaluation, clear explanation and personalised recommendations grounded in current evidence.
To arrange an appointment, contact the practice directly and speak with the team about booking a consultation with Dr Charis Costopoulos. Early assessment can help you understand your options and move forward with confidence in your cardiac care plan.
Other Useful Websites
https://www.imperial.nhs.uk/-/media/website/patient-information-leaflets/cardiology/transcatheter-edge-to-edge-repair-of-mitral-or-tricuspid-valve-teer.pdf
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/ade13e02-b646-4fe6-a3c9-fb18ec45e753
https://www.rbht.nhs.uk/our-services/mitraclip
https://welbeck.com/specialist-centres/private-cardiology-clinic
Date Written
03rd March 2026
Date reviewed
Review due 3rd March 2027
This article was written with the assistance of AI but has been medically reviewed by the following person(s): Medically Reviewed by: Dr Charis Costopoulos
Dr Charis Costopoulos
Dr Charis Costopoulos is a highly regarded Consultant Interventional Cardiologist based in the UK, currently serving as the Clinical Lead for Structural Heart Intervention at the world-renowned Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge.
Professional Background & Education: He graduated with distinction from the University of Cambridge (MB BChir) in 2006 and later completed a PhD there (2017) focusing on biomechanical forces in coronary atherosclerosis.
Specialist Training: He underwent extensive training in North West London, including Hammersmith Hospital, and completed a prestigious fellowship in coronary and structural intervention at the San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan, Italy.
Research: An active researcher, he has published over 50 peer-reviewed papers in leading journals like the European Heart Journal and was awarded the Young Investigator of the Year award in 2017 for his work on vascular biology.
You can read more about Dr Costopoulos on his about page here...
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