MitraClip is catheter-based treatment of severe mitral regurgitation. It is a minimally invasive alternative to open heart surgery.
What is MitraClip?#
MitraClip is a small clip that holds the mitral valve leaflets together. It is delivered to the heart via the femoral vein and reduces mitral regurgitation.
Advantages of MitraClip:
- No open heart surgery required
- Minimally invasive
- Rapid recovery
- Can be performed in high-risk patients
MitraClip Indications#
Primary Mitral Regurgitation#
- Severe symptomatic mitral regurgitation
- High surgical risk
- Suitable valve anatomy
Secondary Mitral Regurgitation#
- Functional mitral regurgitation
- With heart failure
- Symptoms despite optimal medical therapy
Patient Selection#
- STS score ≥8% or
- High-risk assessment by heart team
- Suitable anatomical criteria
Pre-MitraClip Evaluation#
Imaging#
- Transthoracic echocardiography
- Transesophageal echocardiography (3D)
- Cardiac CT (if needed)
Anatomical Criteria#
- Adequate leaflet length
- Coaptation depth
- Flail width
- Calcification status
Additional Evaluations#
- Coronary angiography
- Right heart catheterization
- Kidney function
- General condition assessment
How is MitraClip Performed?#
Procedure Steps#
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia
- Femoral vein access: Right groin
- Transseptal puncture: Access to left atrium
- Guide catheter: Placement in left atrium
- MitraClip advancement: To mitral valve
- Leaflet capture: Both leaflets
- Clip release: After result evaluation
- Additional clip: If needed
Procedure Duration#
Total duration: 2-4 hours
TEE Guidance#
Transesophageal echocardiography imaging is performed throughout the procedure.
MitraClip Results#
Success Criteria#
- Reduction in mitral regurgitation (≤2+)
- Symptom improvement
- Functional capacity increase
- Reduction in hospitalizations
Clinical Outcomes#
- 80-90% procedural success
- Symptom improvement
- Quality of life improvement
- Survival benefit (in secondary MR)
MitraClip Complications#
Complications are rare:
- Clip detachment
- Mitral stenosis
- Vascular complications
- Atrial septal defect
Post-MitraClip Care#
Hospital Follow-up#
- 1-3 days hospital stay
- Echocardiography control
- Early mobilization
After Discharge#
- Anticoagulation (if needed)
- Regular echocardiography
- Heart failure treatment optimization
Frequently Asked Questions#
Is MitraClip surgery?
How long is recovery after MitraClip?
Is MitraClip permanent?
Am I suitable for MitraClip?
Do I need blood thinners after MitraClip?
Appointment and Contact#
If you would like to schedule an appointment for MitraClip evaluation:
📍 Avrasya Hospital - Beştelsiz Mah. 101. Sokak No:107, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul
📞 Phone: +90 212 665 50 50 (Ext: 4012)
This content has been prepared by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habib Çil for general informational purposes. Please consult a cardiology specialist for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
Related Valve Treatments#
Other structural heart treatments related to MitraClip:
- Mitral Valve - About mitral valve diseases
- TAVI - Transcatheter aortic valve implantation
- Balloon Valvuloplasty - Balloon valve dilation
- Echocardiography - Valve assessment
- Heart Failure - Heart failure treatment