MitraClip

The MitraClip is a fairly new device designed to repair mitral regurgitation, a disorder of the mitral valve of the heart that prevents it from closing properly, in a less invasive way than previously available surgical options.

With this minimally invasive procedure, doctors treat mitral regurgitation by clipping a small metal device on the mitral valve through a catheter, without the need to put the patient on a heart-lung bypass machine.

Who Is A Candidate?

People who are too sick to undergo traditional surgery to repair or replace the mitral valve are ideal.

What Happens During Surgery?

While the patient is sedated, doctors thread the device to the heart through a vein in the leg. The device clips together a small area of the mitral valve, which reduces the flow of blood in the wrong direction.

What Are The Risks?

Patients may experience blood clots, artery damage, stroke, bleeding, kidney failure, blood infections or death.

To learn more, please call 833-271-0338.

SOURCES: AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY; AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION; NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE; THE SOCIETY FOR CARDIOVASCULAR ANGIOGRAPHY AND INTERVENTIONS