MitraClip - treatment of mitral insufficiency abroad
MitraClip: a minimally invasive technique for mitral valve repair
The innovative MitraClip device, by clipping (connecting) the mitral valve leaflets, can significantly reduce blood regurgitation in case of incomplete valve closure. MitraClip does not require open surgical intervention and the procedure is minimally invasive. MitraClip is a real, and sometimes the only, opportunity to improve heart function in patients who are contraindicated for major thoracotomy surgery.
MitraClip: What is mitral insufficiency?
The mitral valve is a natural formation located between the left atrium and the ventricle. Its main functional role is to prevent backflow of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole. Various diseases and pathologic conditions (streptococcal infection, myocardial infarction, degenerative changes) can potentially lead to changes in the structure of the valve flaps and their incomplete closure. As a result of such changes, high pressure in the left ventricle, during its contraction, contributes to the throw of a certain volume of blood into the left atrium. Gradually, due to the increasing residual volume of the left atrial chamber expands, blood stasis is formed in the pulmonary vessels and the load on the right side of the heart increases. For some time, mitral insufficiency may not manifest itself, but over time the patient develops dyspnea, increased fatigue, with progressive deterioration of heart function in the future.
MitraClip: minimally invasive and effective
The main method of treatment of mitral insufficiency is surgical, with plasty or complete replacement of the bicuspid valve. However, the severe condition of the patient due to advanced disease or concomitant pathologic conditions increases the risk of surgical intervention. The minimally invasive procedure of installing the MitraClip system in this situation is the optimal solution.
Interventional surgeons reach the mitral valve area through the femoral artery using catheters and guides, under radiologic or ultrasound control. At a certain phase of contraction, the MitraClip clipping system is placed on the valve leaflets, significantly reducing blood regurgitation.
MitraClip: the evolution of the technology
Currently, more than 80,000 MitraClip procedures have been performed worldwide. Each year, the indications for choosing this minimally invasive technique (approved by the U.S. FDA) are expanding.
The company that created the MitraClip System, Abbott, continues to refine its technology. In 2018, the MitraClip G4 system was introduced with even more optimized technical parameters.
