The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
MitraClip®
A MINIMALLY INVASIVE TREATMENT FOR MITRAL VALVE LEAK
The repair of a mitral valve to reduce regurgitation using a highly manoeuvrable trans-catheter technique
What is a mitral regurgitation?
Mitral regurgitation is a condition that occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly. It allows blood to flow backwards through the valve into the left atrium.
Left untreated, it can worsen and even lead to heart failure. A MitraClip® therapy is a minimally invasive alternative treatment to valve repair or replacement surgery.
Need to know
An incision is made in the groin area through which a guide wire runs into the heart along the vein. A puncture is made and a special sheath passed into the left atrium. Next, the clip is inserted into the left atrium through the sheath and positioned above the mitral valve.
The clip's arms are opened out and the clip is moved down into the left ventricle. Your consultant will then retract the clip until its arms embrace the two flaps, or leaflets, in the valve. The arms then close and special grippers hold both leaflets securely in place.
Your consultant will talk you through the MitraClip procedure, and you should tell them about any medication you are taking or any allergies you have. Unless they advise otherwise, you should carry on taking your medication as normal. As your procedure will take place under general anaesthetic, your consultant will let you know how long to avoid eating or drinking beforehand.
You will usually stay in hospital for two to three days after your MitraClip® procedure. While in hospital, your consultant and specialist nurses will monitor your heart function closely. You should have relief from the symptoms of mitral regurgitation soon after the procedure. You may need to take blood-thinning medication once the MitraClip® has been inserted.
Our MitraClip® locations
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.