What Is MitraClip Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair?

Mitral valve regurgitation is traditionally addressed with open heart surgery to repair or replace the valve. Not all patients are good open-heart surgical candidates. Patients who are considered high surgical risk might be candidates for MitraClip mitral valve repair. The MitraClip is minimally invasive procedure where a catheter is advanced through the leg vein to the deliver a clip to the mitral valve. The clip is then used to secure the two leaflets of the mitral valve together to help the valve function better and minimize the regurgitation. The catheter is then removed and clip left in place. The MitraClip procedure has been commercially available since FDA approval in 2013 for patients deemed not candidates for traditional surgery.

What Can MitraClip Accomplish?

After a MitraClip procedure, proper blood flow and circulation is restored to your body, giving you more energy. It can also:

• Reduce or eliminate heart murmurs or palpitations
• Reduce or eliminate swelling in feet and legs
• Reduce or eliminate chest discomfort or pain
• Enable you to be more physically active without experiencing fatigue or shortness of breath

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

One of the biggest benefits of MitraClip is that it requires only a few small incisions. Those incisions are typically made in the groin to access the vein and place a large IV or sheath. Through the sheath, a catheter is then advanced into the left atrium to then deploy a clip under guidance of transesophageal echocardiogram. This procedure is performed in the cath lab while the patient is under sedation.

Recovery

Your recovery will depend heavily on your condition before the procedure. Recovery often involves an overnight observation on our telemetry floor but further observation may be needed to monitor any heart rhythm issues or other unforeseen issues. Patients are able to get back to the prior activity with minimal restrictions after leaving the hospital and are recommended to attend cardiac rehabilitation, which can be done at Baptist Health or locally. 

Estimated Recovery Timeline

Many people feel relief of symptoms almost immediately. You will tire easily in the days following hospital discharge, but your energy will increase as you heal. Make sure to keep your follow-up appointments and follow instructions for heart-healthy eating and exercise.

Heart Valve Repair Possible Risks

Any medical procedure carries risks, but heart valve repair is typically a safe and effective procedure. You will be given instructions about how to avoid these specific risks, as well as what to do if you experience these issues after your procedure:

• Blood clot or damage to the blood vessel at catheter insertion sites
• Significant blood loss that may require blood transfusion 
• Infection 
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Stroke
• New or worsening valve regurgitation 
• Rupture of the valve
• Pneumonia