Overview
When the mitral valve does not close properly, blood leaks backwards (mitral regurgitation), causing breathlessness, fatigue and heart failure.
MitraClip is a transcatheter edge-to-edge repair: a small clip is guided to the valve through a vein in the leg and attached to the valve leaflets so they close more completely. It is a valuable option for patients considered high risk for surgery.
Who may need it
- Moderate-to-severe or severe mitral regurgitation with symptoms
- Patients at high risk for open-heart surgery
- Heart-failure patients with leaking mitral valve despite optimal medicines
What to expect
- Performed under general anaesthesia with continuous 3D transoesophageal echo guidance.
- A catheter is passed from the leg vein into the heart and the clip is positioned and attached.
- One or more clips may be used depending on the leak.
Recovery & aftercare
- Most patients go home within 2–3 days and notice easier breathing soon after.
Medically reviewed by Dr. G.V. Senthilnathan, MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Cardiology). This page is general information; your treatment plan will be tailored to your own reports and health.
