Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care's multidisciplinary team of cardiovascular experts provides the most advanced and comprehensive care in the region for patients with heart valve defects and disease. As a high-volume cardiac center with national recognition for providing the safest and highest quality care to patients, Cooper continues to lead the way in clinical trials and groundbreaking treatment options.
What Is MitraClip Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair?
The MitraClip procedure offers a minimally invasive (nonsurgical) treatment option for patients with severe mitral valve regurgitation, who are too high-risk for traditional, open-heart surgery. The MitraClip device is a small clip, about the size of a dime, and is delivered to the heart through a catheter placed in the groin. The clip is attached to the mitral valve flaps, allowing the valve to close more completely. After the procedure is complete, the heart pumps blood more efficiently, relieving symptoms of mitral regurgitation and improving the patient’s overall quality of life.
What Is Mitral Regurgitation?
The mitral valve is located between the heart's two left chambers and has two flaps of tissue, called leaflets that open and close to make sure that blood only flows in one direction. Mitral valve regurgitation occurs when the mitral valve does not close as tightly as it should, allowing blood to flow backward in the heart towards the lungs. If left untreated, mitral regurgitation causes the heart and lungs to work harder than they should, which can lead to serious cardiac issues.
Symptoms of Mitral Regurgitation
- Inability to exercise
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Hacking cough, especially when lying down
- Fainting
- Swelling in feet or ankles
Watch this video to view an animation of the MitraClip procedure.