MitraClip (Mitral Regurgitation)

MitraClip Therapy

MitraClip therapy, also known as Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER), is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure used to treat Mitral Regurgitation (MR). This is a condition where the heart's mitral valve does not close tightly, causing blood to leak backward into the heart. In 2026, this remains a vital option for patients who are at high risk for traditional open-heart surgery.

When You Should Consider MitraClip

• Severe symptomatic mitral regurgitation that limits daily activity.

• Heart failure symptoms like shortness of breath or fatigue that persist despite medication.

• Primary (Degenerative) MR in patients at prohibitive risk for traditional surgery due to age or frailty.

• Secondary (Functional) MR caused by an enlarged heart or heart muscle damage.

• Evidence of left-sided heart enlargement or significant heart overload.

Methods of MitraClip Therapy

• Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair: A minimally invasive method using a groin catheter to "clip" the valve leaflets together.

• Leaflet Approximation: The clip holds the flaps of the mitral valve to allow it to close more completely.

• Beating Heart Procedure: Unlike traditional surgery, this is performed while the heart continues to beat without a heart-lung machine.

• Real-time Guidance: Use of specialized imaging to ensure the clip is perfectly positioned to block the leak.

• Device Occlusion: Deployment of a "soft" low-profile clip to reduce backward blood flow.

How MitraClip Is Performed

• Catheter Access: A tube is guided through the femoral vein in the groin to reach the heart.

• Navigation: The delivery system is steered into the left atrium and positioned above the mitral valve.

• Clip Deployment: The MitraClip is expanded and used to grasp the valve leaflets, sealing the leak.

• Monitoring: Real-time imaging (TEE) ensures the clip has significantly reduced the regurgitation before finishing.

• Finalization: Once the position is verified, the clip is permanently detached and the catheter is removed.

Pre-Procedure Preparation

• Fasting for 8-12 hours before the catheterization.

• Blood tests, ECG, and chest X-rays to assess overall health and valve function.

• Adjusting current medications as directed by the cardiology team.

• Discussing any allergies, particularly to materials used in the device or contrast dye.

• Arranging for post-operative care and a support person for the recovery period.

Tests Before MitraClip Therapy

• Echocardiogram (TTE or TEE) to determine the severity and location of the valve leak.

• Cardiac Catheterization to measure heart and lung pressures.

• Cardiac MRI or CT scan for detailed 3D mapping of the valve anatomy.

• ECG to monitor the heart's electrical rhythm and check for conduction issues.

• Pulse oximetry to evaluate oxygen saturation levels in the blood.

Life After MitraClip

• Short hospital stay, usually 1-3 days for monitoring.

• Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for about a month post-procedure.

• Take prescribed medications, including blood thinners, as directed by the cardiologist.

• Regular follow-up visits with a cardiologist to monitor the repair site.

• Immediate improvement in breathing, energy levels, and physical stamina.

Benefits of MitraClip Therapy

• Restores normal blood flow and prevents oxygen-rich blood from leaking backward.

• Protects the lungs and heart from permanent damage caused by fluid backup.

• High technical success rates, reported between 93% and 98%.

• Significant reduction in heart failure-related hospitalizations.

• Provides a long-term cure for symptoms with a much shorter recovery than surgery.