The MitraClip can be described as a small clip that has the ability to open and close, mimicking the natural movement of the mitral valve. Recent technological advancements have led to various formats of the MitraClip, featuring variable length and width. This expansion in options has significantly broadened the scope of interventions, transforming the procedure into a personalized treatment where the clip size is chosen based on the specific anatomical characteristics of each patient.

So, how is the repair carried out? The MitraClip implant procedure involves inserting an intravenous catheter into the femoral vein, reaching the right section of the heart. By passing through the interatrial septum, which separates the right atrium from the left atrium, the left section of the heart is accessed, and the MitraClip is carefully positioned at the mitral valve. The entire operation is conducted under transesophageal echo control, ensuring precise placement with continuous communication between the interventionist and the sonographer.

What benefits does this bring to the patient? Percutaneous mitral repair offers evident advantages, particularly for elderly individuals who may have additional health issues, making traditional surgery high-risk or impractical. By employing endovascular systems exclusively, percutaneous repair techniques eliminate many risks associated with traditional surgery, enabling mitral valve repair with a closed chest.

What about the success rate of MitraClip surgery? To ensure optimal clinical outcomes and avoid the need for a second operation, detailed analysis of each patient is essential before surgery. The MitraClip implant is only performed when the anatomical conditions suitable for this intervention exist beforehand, reducing the need for secondary operations. To date, approximately 150,000 MitraClips have been implanted globally, with a success rate of around 98%.

Now, let’s talk about transcatheter mitral prostheses. This technology represents a significant advancement in interventional cardiology’s future. Unlike repair methods like the MitraClip, the implantation of transcatheter mitral prostheses still requires improvement due to the mitral valve’s complex anatomical and geometric nature. Unlike other heart valves, the mitral valve is not a separate valve but an integral part of the left ventricle’s cavity.

Currently, not all patients have suitable anatomical characteristics for transcatheter mitral prosthesis implantation. Although interventions to date are limited, ongoing technological progress suggests a potential turning point in the near future.