Your heart has several valves that help control blood flow. One of these is the mitral valve, which sits between the left atrium and left ventricle. If this valve becomes leaky—a condition known as mitral regurgitation—blood can flow backward, placing extra strain on the heart and lungs. This can lead to symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue, palpitations, or swelling in the legs.
This is a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery. It is often recommended for people who are not suitable for traditional surgery due to age or other health conditions. The procedure uses a small device called a clip or clasp to reduce the leak in the valve and improve heart function.
You will be monitored in a recovery area of ICU as you wake up. Most patients stay in hospital for two to three nights.
Please arrange for a family member or friend to collect you from hospital and stay with you overnight. You should not drive or make important decisions for 24 hours after having a general anaesthetic.
If you have any concerns about the anaesthetic, please speak with your doctor before the procedure.
The Mitra Clip device is delivered through the catheter and positioned to clip the leaking parts of the valve together. More than one clip is usually needed. The catheter crosses from the right side of the heart to the left through a thin wall called the atrial septum, which may leave a small hole that usually closes on its own. Very occasionally, this hole is closed with an ASD occluder.
Once the clips are in place, the catheter is removed, and the entry site is sealed.
