MitraClip™

Oxygenated blood from the lungs enters the upper left heart chamber (left atrium) and passes through the mitral valve down into the bottom left heart chamber (left ventricle). The mitral valve has 2 flaps called leaflets that open to let the blood flow forward into the left ventricle, and close to keep blood from flowing backwards into the left atrium. If the mitral valve doesn’t close properly, this will result in a leak, allowing the blood to travel backwards into the left atrium. This leak is called mitral insufficiency or regurgitation (MR). Causes of MR can include a previous heart attack, mitral valve prolapse (when the leaflets bulge into the left atrium), damaged heart tissue cords that attach the leaflets to the heart wall, calcium accumulation, high blood pressure, or congenital heart defects.  MR results in blood backflow to the lungs and decreased forward blood flow to vital organs of the body. Ultimately, it leads to worsening shortness of breath, fatigue and need for repeated hospitalizations. The traditional treatment of MR is mitral valve repair and replacement surgery.

MitraClip™ (Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair) is an alternative minimally invasive treatment option for patients with mitral insufficiency or regurgitation (MR) that are not candidates for mitral valve repair and replacement surgery. During the procedure, the doctor makes a small incision in the groin (femoral vein) and advances a long thin tube, called a catheter, through the vein leading up into the heart. A metallic clip is advanced through the catheter to the leaking valve. This MitraClip™ clips the leaking leaflets closer together, resulting in a reduced backflow of blood. Once the MitraClip™ is secure and functioning correctly, the doctor removes the catheter.

MitraClip™ is less invasive than conventional surgery. It improves survival, symptoms and quality of life.