Oklahoma Heart Institute offers new no-surgery heart valve replacement

Tulsa becomes first in region to provide minimally invasive mitral valve procedure

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Oklahoma Heart Institute is now offering the Sapien M3 transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) – a groundbreaking procedure that replaces diseased heart valves without the need for open-heart surgery. This makes Tulsa one of only three locations nationwide currently offering this commercially available treatment, and the first in the region.

Why it matters

For decades, mitral valve replacement meant a lengthy recovery and significant risk associated with open-heart surgery. The TMVR system changes that by utilizing catheters inserted through blood vessels to reach the mitral valve and deploy a new valve, all while the heart continues to beat. This minimally invasive approach dramatically reduces recovery time and minimizes complications, preserving the patient's overall health and quality of life.

The details

The mitral valve controls blood flow between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart. When it malfunctions, it can lead to mitral regurgitation, where blood leaks backward, forcing the heart to work harder and eventually leading to congestive heart failure. Currently, the TMVR procedure is approved for patients deemed high-risk for traditional open-heart surgery, but clinical trials are underway to assess its effectiveness in intermediate-risk patients, potentially opening the door to wider adoption.

  • Oklahoma Heart Institute has been a key participant in clinical trials since 2022, contributing valuable data and expertise to the development and refinement of the Sapien M3 system.

The players

Oklahoma Heart Institute

A cardiac care facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that is now offering the Sapien M3 transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) procedure, making it one of only three locations nationwide currently providing this commercially available treatment.

Dr. Kamran Muhammad

An interventional cardiologist at Oklahoma Heart Institute who explains that the TMVR procedure can dramatically reduce recovery time and lower the risk profile for patients compared to traditional open-heart surgery.

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What they’re saying

“We're talking about potentially shaving weeks off recovery and significantly lowering the risk profile for patients. This isn't just about avoiding a large incision; it's about preserving the patient's overall health and quality of life.”

— Dr. Kamran Muhammad, Interventional Cardiologist (Oklahoma Heart Institute)

What’s next

Clinical trials are underway to assess the effectiveness of the TMVR procedure in intermediate-risk patients, potentially opening the door to wider adoption of this minimally invasive approach.

The takeaway

The availability of the TMVR procedure at Oklahoma Heart Institute brings world-class cardiac care closer to home for patients in Tulsa and surrounding areas, offering hope and improved quality of life for those facing mitral valve disease.