Samsung Medical Center, Effects of MitraClip Procedure in Patients with High-Risk Mitral Regurgitation

The Valve Intervention Team at the Heart Vascular Stroke Institute of Samsung Medical Center successfully performed MitraClip procedures for high-risk patients with severe mitral regurgitation and severe secondary mitral regurgitation accompanied by heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

MitraClip is a device that improves valve closure and reduces the back-flow of blood by attaching a clip to both leaflets of the mitral valve to help it close completely when the valves open and close thus reducing the amount of blood reflux. A thin catheter is inserted through the groin area and with the guide of a three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography, MitraClip is inserted through the catheter and is properly clipped and securely attached to the affected area of regurgitation.

This procedure has been in the spotlight as an alternative procedure for its shorter recovery period and safer treatment. Furthermore, it can be helpful for symptom improvement and prognosis in patients with severe secondary mitral regurgitation accompanied by heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.

Patients from Samsung Medical Center who received this procedure were 80 years old and above. They were considered high-risk due to their underlying diseases and surgical history. Patients with severe secondary mitral regurgitation also suffered from very poor left ventricular function and were accompanied with arrhythmias. All procedures were successful and patients were discharged once fully recovered and in stable condition.