Better ultrasound imaging of heart valve leakage

This research study is looking for a better way to measure and understand mitral valve leakage — a condition where blood leaks backward through one of your heart's main valves. Doctors will use two types of imaging (a special ultrasound called transesophageal echocardiography and an MRI scan) to compare how well each method can measure the amount of leakage. The goal is to help doctors diagnose and plan the best treatment for patients like you with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation.

Currently, doctors rely on standard ultrasound to measure valve leakage, but it's not always precise. This trial exists to see if a newer, three-dimensional ultrasound technique can give doctors a clearer picture of exactly how much leakage is happening and what's causing it — so they can recommend the right treatment, whether that's surgery or less invasive procedures.