When the mitral valve in your heart doesn’t close properly, blood can leak backwards—a condition called mitral regurgitation. Left untreated, this can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and even heart failure. For many patients who aren’t ideal candidates for open-heart surgery, the MitraClip procedure offers a lifeline. This minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment for mitral valve regurgitation restores valve function through a tiny clip delivered by a catheter—no sternotomy required. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know: what MitraClip is, the mitral clip procedure itself, MitraClip procedure steps, the mitral valve clip procedure cost, and how long a MitraClip procedure takes.
Mitral Regurgitation and Why It Matters?
Your heart’s mitral valve sits between the left atrium and left ventricle, opening to allow blood flow and then sealing shut to prevent backflow. In mitral regurgitation, the valve fails to close completely. Blood leaks backwards, forcing your heart to work harder and causing symptoms such as:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Shortness of breath, especially with exertion or when lying down
- Swollen ankles or feet
- Irregular heartbeat
Traditional repair or replacement of the mitral valve requires open-heart surgery, which increases the risk for seniors or patients with other medical conditions. The MitraClip is a clip procedure for mitral valve repair without cutting through the breastbone.
What Is MitraClip?
MitraClip is the brand name for a revolutionary transcatheter device used in the mitral clip procedure to treat mitral regurgitation. The clip grasps and approximates the leaflets of the diseased mitral valve, creating a double orifice that reduces or eliminates the leak. By mimicking a surgical edge-to-edge repair—sometimes called the Alfieri stitch—, the MitraClip restores one-way flow through the valve.
Key Benefits of MitraClip
- Minimally Invasive: Delivered via catheter through a small incision in the groin.
- Short Hospital Stay: Most patients go home in 1–2 days.
- Rapid Recovery: Many resume normal activities within 1–2 weeks.
- Suitable for High-Risk Patients: Ideal when open-heart surgery poses excessive risk.
- Durable Results: Clinical trials show reduced regurgitation and improved quality of life.
Who Is a Candidate for the MitraClip Procedure?
The mitral clip procedure is approved for patients with:
1. Primary Mitral Regurgitation
Due to degenerative valve disease who have symptoms despite optimal medical therapy and are at high risk for surgery.
2. Secondary (Functional) Mitral Regurgitation
Arising from left ventricular dysfunction is common in heart failure. Reducing the leak can improve symptoms and reduce hospitalisations.
Your heart team—interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and imaging specialists—will evaluate:
- Echocardiogram and transesophageal echo (TEE) findings
- Severity of regurgitation
- Overall medical history and surgical risk scores
MitraClip Procedure Steps
Understanding the MitraClip procedure steps can ease anxiety and help set realistic expectations. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
1. Preparation
- Performed in a hybrid catheterisation lab under general anaesthesia.
- A TEE probe was placed to provide real-time ultrasound guidance.
- The patient’s groin area was sterilised for femoral vein access.
2. Trans-Septal Puncture
- A small catheter is advanced through the femoral vein into the right atrium.
- Under TEE guidance, a puncture is made in the interatrial septum to reach the left atrium.
3. Advancing the Delivery System
- The MitraClip delivery catheter is steered across the septum into the left atrium.
- The system is positioned above the mitral valve.
4. Grasping the Valve Leaflets
- The clip arms open and are aligned with the mitral leaflets.
- Leaflets are carefully captured between the clip arms using ultrasound and fluoroscopy.
5. Clip Deployment
- Once optimal leaflet capture and reduction in regurgitation are confirmed, the clip is closed and locked into place.
- Additional clips may be placed if needed to achieve minimal residual leak.
6. Sheath Removal and Closure
- The delivery system is retracted, and the septal puncture site seals naturally.
- A closure device is used at the groin access site, and the patient is moved to recovery.
How Long Does a MitraClip Procedure Take?
On average, how long does a MitraClip procedure take? From initial anaesthesia to completion, the procedure lasts 2 to 4 hours. Time varies based on:
- Number of clips required
- Patient’s anatomy and valve complexity
- Need for additional imaging or adjustments
Most patients spend one night in the intensive care or step-down unit, followed by 1 to 2 days on the regular floor before discharge.
MitraClip Procedure Cost
One common concern is the cost of the mitral valve clip procedure. Costs vary by region, hospital, and individual patient factors but typically include:
- Device cost (MitraClip system)
- Hospital and operating room fees
- Anaesthesia and imaging
- Pre— and post-procedure care
In India, the total package for MitraClip may range from ₹12 lakhs to ₹18 lakhs, depending on the centre’s accreditation, team expertise, and in-hospital services. Many hospitals offer financing plans or package deals that cover follow-up visits and medications.
Recovery and Aftercare
Post-procedure, patients benefit from:
- Rapid Symptom Relief: Many report less breathlessness within days.
- Early Mobilisation: Walking with assistance on the day of the procedure.
- Discharge Planning: Home within 1–2 days, with activity and wound care instructions.
- Follow-Up Imaging: Echocardiogram at 30 days and periodic checks thereafter.
- Medication Management: Anticoagulation and heart-failure therapies as indicated.
Most patients return to regular daily routines—walking, light exercise, and social activities—within two weeks. For optimal outcomes, formal cardiac rehabilitation may be recommended.
Risks and Considerations
While generally safe, the MitraClip procedure carries potential risks:
- Access Site Complications: Bleeding or vascular injury at the groin.
- Stroke or TIA: Rare due to embolic debris.
- Device Malposition: Needs clip adjustment or additional clips.
- Residual Regurgitation: Mild leaks may persist but are typically well tolerated.
- Infection: Minimised by sterile technique and antibiotics.
Your heart team will discuss these risks in detail and take every precaution to ensure a successful outcome.
The Future of Mitral Valve Repair
As device technology advances, the mitral clip procedure continues to evolve:
- Newer clip designs allow for better leaflet grasping and reduced residual leaks.
- Combined imaging modalities improve precision and safety.
- Clinical studies are expanding indications to broader patient populations.
For many patients, MitraClip represents the future of non-surgical treatment for mitral valve regurgitation, transforming lives without the trauma of open-heart surgery.
Take Control of Your Heart Health
Mitral regurgitation doesn’t have to dictate your lifestyle. The MitraClip procedure offers a proven, minimally invasive solution with rapid recovery and durable results. Whether you’re exploring MitraClip, curious about mitral clip procedure cost, or ready to learn how long a MitraClip procedure takes, our Heart Valve Experts team is here to help.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
- Schedule Your Personalised Consultation: Book a no-obligation appointment with our MitraClip specialists here.
- Speak with Our Liaison Executive: Call +91-9004506263 for immediate answers.
- Email Us Anytime: Send your questions to heartvalveexperts@gmail.com, and we’ll guide you toward the right treatment plan.
Your heart deserves expert care. Contact us today for the first step toward clearer, stronger heart function.
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