MitraClip

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair

A breakthrough minimally invasive procedure to repair a leaking mitral valve and restore normal heart function without open-heart surgery.

What is MitraClip?

MitraClip is a revolutionary FDA-approved device used to treat mitral regurgitation (MR) — a condition where the mitral valve doesn't close properly, causing blood to leak backward in the heart. This "leaky valve" forces the heart to work harder, eventually leading to heart failure symptoms.

The MitraClip procedure is performed through a small puncture in the leg vein, avoiding the need for open-heart surgery. A small clip is attached to the mitral valve leaflets, allowing them to close more completely and reducing the amount of blood that leaks backward.

Dr. Bleszynski is trained in this advanced structural heart procedure, offering Las Vegas patients access to this life-improving treatment option.

Understanding Mitral Regurgitation

Primary (Degenerative) MR

Caused by problems with the valve itself — the leaflets, cords, or supporting structures are damaged or abnormal, preventing proper closure.

Secondary (Functional) MR

The valve itself is normal, but heart enlargement or dysfunction prevents the leaflets from meeting properly. Often occurs with heart failure.

Symptoms of Mitral Regurgitation:

Shortness of breath (especially with exertion)
Fatigue and weakness
Heart palpitations
Swelling in feet and ankles
Lightheadedness
Cough, especially at night
Reduced exercise tolerance
Worsening heart failure symptoms

Who is a Candidate for MitraClip?

MitraClip may be recommended for patients who:

Have moderate to severe or severe mitral regurgitation
Experience symptoms despite optimal medical therapy
Are considered high-risk or inoperable for traditional surgery
Have primary (degenerative) MR with suitable valve anatomy
Have secondary (functional) MR related to heart failure
Prefer a less invasive approach to valve repair

Heart Team Evaluation: Candidacy for MitraClip is determined by a multidisciplinary heart team including interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and imaging specialists.

The MitraClip Procedure

Access

A catheter is inserted through a vein in the groin and guided to the heart. Access to the left side of the heart is achieved through a small puncture in the septum (transseptal puncture).

Visualization

Advanced imaging (transesophageal echocardiography and fluoroscopy) guides the procedure in real-time, allowing precise positioning of the clip.

Clip Deployment

The MitraClip is positioned and attached to the mitral valve leaflets, bringing them together. The clip grasps both leaflets, reducing the opening through which blood leaks.

Assessment

Immediate imaging confirms reduction in regurgitation. Additional clips may be placed if needed. Most patients receive 1-2 clips.

Completion

The catheter is removed and the groin puncture site is closed. The procedure typically takes 2-3 hours.

Benefits & Expected Outcomes

Immediate Benefits

✓No chest incision
✓No heart-lung bypass
✓1-3 day hospital stay
✓Rapid recovery

Long-term Outcomes

✓Improved symptoms
✓Better quality of life
✓Reduced hospitalizations
✓Improved survival (in select patients)

Frequently Asked Questions About MitraClip

What is MitraClip and how does it repair a leaky valve?

MitraClip is a small device that clips the two leaflets of your mitral valve together, reducing the opening through which blood leaks backward. It's delivered through a catheter inserted in the leg vein, so there's no chest incision or need for a heart-lung machine. The clip allows the valve to close more completely, reducing regurgitation and improving heart function.

Am I a candidate for MitraClip vs. open-heart surgery?

MitraClip is typically recommended for patients with moderate-to-severe or severe mitral regurgitation who are high-risk or not suitable candidates for traditional open-heart surgery. A multidisciplinary heart team evaluates your valve anatomy, overall health, and symptoms to determine the best treatment approach.

What is the recovery time after MitraClip?

Most patients stay in the hospital 1-3 days after MitraClip. You can typically return to light daily activities within a few days and resume normal activities within 1-2 weeks. This is significantly faster than the 6-8 week recovery typical of open-heart valve surgery.

How effective is MitraClip at reducing mitral regurgitation?

Clinical studies show MitraClip significantly reduces mitral regurgitation in most patients, leading to improved symptoms, better quality of life, fewer heart failure hospitalizations, and in select patients, improved survival. Most patients experience meaningful symptom relief including less shortness of breath and fatigue.

What are the risks of the MitraClip procedure?

MitraClip is generally very safe with a low complication rate. Potential risks include bleeding at the access site, need for blood transfusion, partial clip detachment, or residual regurgitation requiring additional clips. Serious complications are rare. Your heart team will discuss your individual risk profile before the procedure.

Quick Facts

Procedure Time: 2-3 hours
Anesthesia: General anesthesia
Hospital Stay: 1-3 days
Recovery: 1-2 weeks

FDA Approved

MitraClip is FDA-approved for both primary and secondary mitral regurgitation in appropriate candidates.

Living with a Leaky Valve?

MitraClip could help reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Schedule a consultation to learn if you're a candidate.

Schedule Consultation (702) 805-5678