MitraClip
A Minimally Invasive Treatment for a Leaky Heart Valve
Saint Alphonsus offers a procedure for patients with mitral regurgitation, also known as a leaky mitral valve. This condition occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward inside the heart. Over time, this can make the heart work harder and lead to other health problems.
The MitraClip procedure is a minimally invasive treatment option for eligible patients and does not require traditional open-heart surgery.
Symptoms of a Leaky Mitral Valve
People with mitral regurgitation may experience:
- An abnormal heart murmur
- Shortness of breath, especially during activity or when lying down
- Fatigue or low energy
- Heart palpitations
- Swelling in the ankles or feet
Possible Complications
If left untreated, mitral regurgitation can lead to serious health conditions, including:
- Heart failure
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Pulmonary hypertension, or high blood pressure in the lungs
How the Procedure Works
During the procedure, a doctor inserts a small catheter through a blood vessel in the groin and guides it to the heart. The catheter is carefully moved into the mitral valve. One or more clips are then attached to the valve to help it close more effectively and reduce the amount of blood leaking backward.
The procedure is performed by a specially trained interventional cardiologist and is designed to improve valve function while avoiding the need for open-heart surgery.
Recovery
Most patients recover quickly and are able to return home the day after the procedure. Because the treatment is minimally invasive, recovery is typically shorter than with traditional heart surgery.
Benefits of MitraClip
For eligible patients, the MitraClip procedure can:
- Reduce blood leakage through the mitral valve
- Improve symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue
- Help the heart work more efficiently
- Avoid the need for open-heart surgery
- Provide a faster recovery compared to traditional valve surgery
The MitraClip procedure offers an effective treatment option for people with mitral regurgitation who may not be good candidates for open-heart surgery or who are looking for a less invasive approach to care.