MitraClip: Purpose, Procedure & Benefits

MitraClip is a minimally invasive catheter-based procedure used to treat mitral valve regurgitation, a condition in which the mitral valve does not close properly and allows blood to leak backward inside the heart.

The goal of the MitraClip procedure is to reduce valve leakage, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life, without the need for open-heart surgery.

MitraClip is also known as transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair and is performed through blood vessels, most commonly via the groin.

Why Is MitraClip Performed?

The mitral valve sits between the left atrium and left ventricle and ensures one-way blood flow. When the valve leaks significantly, the heart must work harder to maintain circulation. Over time, this can lead to symptoms and heart failure.

MitraClip is performed to:

• Reduce shortness of breath, fatigue, and exercise intolerance
• Improve daily functioning and quality of life
• Reduce hospitalizations related to heart failure
• Lower the strain on the heart caused by severe mitral regurgitation

Who Is a Candidate for MitraClip?

MitraClip is considered for patients with moderate-to-severe or severe mitral regurgitation who are not good candidates for open-heart surgery or who have high surgical risk.

It is commonly used in two main situations:

• Primary (degenerative) mitral regurgitation, when the valve itself is structurally abnormal
• Secondary (functional) mitral regurgitation, when leakage occurs due to enlargement or weakening of the heart muscle

The decision is made by a multidisciplinary heart team, based on valve anatomy, symptom severity, heart function, and overall health.

How to Prepare for the MitraClip Procedure

Before MitraClip, detailed imaging of the heart is required to assess the valve structure and suitability for the device. This typically includes echocardiography—often with transesophageal imaging—and sometimes CT scanning.

Blood tests and evaluation of other medical conditions are also performed. You may be asked to adjust certain medications before the procedure. Clear fasting and admission instructions are provided in advance.

What Happens During the MitraClip Procedure?

MitraClip is performed in a specialized hospital unit. Most procedures are done under general anesthesia, as precise imaging guidance is required throughout the intervention.

A catheter is inserted through a vein in the groin and guided to the heart. Using advanced imaging, the MitraClip device is positioned on the mitral valve leaflets and gently clips them together at the area of leakage. This creates a more effective seal and significantly reduces backward blood flow.

In some patients, more than one clip may be placed to achieve optimal valve function.

What Will I Feel During and After the Procedure?

Because general anesthesia is used, patients do not feel pain during the procedure. Afterward, it is normal to feel tired for a short period.

Many patients notice improvement in breathing and energy levels within days to weeks as the heart adapts to reduced valve leakage.

Recovery After MitraClip

Recovery after MitraClip is usually faster than after surgical valve repair. Most patients stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and are then discharged home.

Normal daily activities can often be resumed relatively quickly, with gradual increase in activity based on medical advice.

Medications After MitraClip

Medications are continued or adjusted after the procedure based on heart function, rhythm, and overall condition. Blood-thinning medications may be recommended for a period, depending on individual risk factors.

Your cardiology team will provide a tailored post-procedure medication plan.

Risks of the MitraClip Procedure

MitraClip is a well-established and widely used procedure. As with any invasive treatment, risks exist and are discussed beforehand.

Potential risks include bleeding, vascular complications, infection, residual valve leakage, or the need for additional procedures. Serious complications are uncommon when the procedure is performed in experienced centers.

How Successful Is MitraClip?

MitraClip is highly effective in reducing mitral regurgitation and improving symptoms in appropriately selected patients. While it may not eliminate leakage entirely in every case, it often leads to meaningful clinical improvement and fewer heart failure-related hospitalizations.

Long-term outcomes depend on underlying heart disease and overall health, but many patients experience sustained benefit.

In Summary

MitraClip is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat significant mitral valve regurgitation without open-heart surgery. By reducing valve leakage, it can improve symptoms, enhance quality of life, and reduce heart failure burden in selected patients. When evaluated and performed by an experienced heart team, MitraClip offers a safe and effective treatment option for mitral valve disease.

Reference: MitraClip