Mitral valve clip procedure

An interdisciplinary team of cardiologists and vascular surgeons at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg consults on a weekly basis on the numerous treatment options available to patients diagnosed with mitral valve diseases. Individual cases and current test results are discussed in order to determine the most effective treatment plan. Traditional surgical procedures to treat patients with mitral valve conditions include replacement and repair of the mitral valve. However, traditional surgery for patients with a weak liver or heart can be risky. In such cases, a minimally-invasive catheter technique, the mitral valve clip procedure, is a viable option.

A mitral valve clip procedure is performed under general anesthesia. A clip attached to a catheter is delivered to the mitral valve via the groin. The valve leaflets are then held together by the clip, enabling the mitral valve to close properly and prevent blood from flowing back into the heart. Transesophageal echocardiographic imaging enables surgeons to closely monitor the interventional procedure and readjust the clip if necessary.

The entire procedure requires neither a surgical opening of the chest nor a heart-lung machine. Patients are typically awake within a few hours after the procedure and on their feet the following day. This minimally-invasive procedure not only reduces the severity of a mitral valve condition, but it also strengthens the heart and improves the overall well-being of patients.

The interdisciplinary ISAH-Team perfoming a Mitra-Clip implanation in a heart heart catheter laboratory.