Overview

Until now, mitral valve surgery has been the only option for treating mitral regurgitation. MitraClip is a form of transcatheter mitral valve repair. It is a less-invasive option for patients who are not candidates for surgery.

How It Works

• Cather placed into the heart through a small incision in the upper leg
• Fluoroscopy (type of x-ray) and echocardiography (heart ultrasound) are used to visualize the heart
• Catheter used to place a clip on the mitral valve to help it close
• Implanted clip becomes part of the heart

Benefits

• Less invasive than traditional open heart surgery
• Shorter hospital stay (two to three days).
• Fast improvement mitral regurgitation symptoms
• Improved quality of life.