How MitraClip Is Changing The Game In Heart Treatment

Cardiovascular diseases or heart problems are still one of the leading causes of death across the globe, and these include such conditions as coronary artery diseases, hypertension, stroke, and many other life-threatening diseases. Mitral valve regurgitation remains a considerable problem and is among the many heart diseases that trouble people.

Mitral valve regurgitation is a disease in which the mitral valve of our heart doesn’t close properly, causing the blood to flow back. In such complicated cases, the traditional open-heart surgery is usually the option, but the Mitraclip is a breakthrough innovative catheter-based technology with a less invasive approach that has changed the landscape of treatment for patients with symptomatic, severe mitral valve regurgitation.

A 'MitraClip' is a small device intended to reduce mitral valve regurgitation and reduce heart failure symptoms in patients. This small metallic clip is used for patients with severe mitral valve regurgitation disease who are considered high risk for 'open-heart surgery'. The mitral valve divides the two chambers of the heart. There are two flaps of the valve which are movable to allow smooth blood flow in the appropriate direction and prevent the return of blood. The heart is less efficient in the pumping mechanism when the mitral valve leaflets do not close tight enough, causing a backflow of blood toward the lungs. This condition is known as 'mitral regurgitation', and in these cases, a Mitra clip is used. Mitra clip technology has significantly improved heart function in many patients with mitral regurgitation by improving the function of the mitral valve, the quality of life and patient recovery has enhanced as well.

Mitra Clip: Procedure

This is a non-surgical method of mitral valve repair that helps patients who are at high risk for undergoing open heart surgery. This procedure is done under general anaesthesia, so the patient is sedated. A groin incision is made so that a catheter can be introduced into the femoral vein. A tiny metal clip coated in polyester fabric is positioned at the tip of the catheter. The interventional cardiologist then uses imaging techniques like X-ray and guides the catheter to the heart's mitral valve. The clip is attached to the mitral valve leaflets, fastening them firmly together and allowing the valve to close better. The clip is placed once positioned correctly, and good reduction in mitral valve leak is achieved.

Mitra clip offers a less invasive way to treat mitral regurgitation. Severe heart issues like mitral regurgitation require patients to undergo traditional open-heart surgery, but with the transformative technology of Mitra clip, patients are treated with a less complicated procedure. The procedure is also less painful and causes a shorter recovery period as compared to open heart surgeries, thus, people resume their normal activities in a shorter span of time after this procedure. Another significant benefit is the ease it gives many ageing patients. Many of the patients suffering from mitral regurgitation are elderly and have other conditions that render them unsuitable for surgeries involving open heart surgery. Elderly patients are offered MitraClip which makes this process less burdensome thus enhancing their inconvenience and mitigating the complications associated with surgical interventions.

MitraClip has brought essential advancements to the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation with a quicker recovery time and less complications. This procedure offers a simpler alternative to open heart surgery.