MitraClip Procedure

The MitraClip™ procedure is a minimally invasive treatment option to repair leaks in the mitral valve of your heart. At Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute, with offices in Lakeland, Plant City, Riverview, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills, Florida, the experienced cardiology team offers MitraClip procedures for people with chronic fatigue, heart palpitations, and other symptoms of mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation. The implantable device keeps blood circulating through your heart so you can stay healthy and physically active. Call the Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute office nearest you to schedule a MitraClip procedure consultation or book an appointment online today.

What is a MitraClip procedure?

MitraClip is a small device that stops leaks in the mitral valve. This valve controls the flow of blood between your lower left ventricle and the upper left atria of your heart.

In mitral valve prolapse (MVP), the flaps of the mitral valve bulge backward into your heart’s upper chamber and disrupt blood circulation. When you have mitral valve regurgitation, the valve doesn’t close fully and can allow blood to leak. 

Blood leaks force your heart to work harder to pump blood out to the rest of your body. In turn, the increased strain on your heart can increase your risk for atrial fibrillation and heart failure.

The MitraClip brings the flaps of the mitral valve in better alignment to ensure they open and close more efficiently. The device can provide lasting relief of mitral valve regurgitation symptoms like persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations.

What can I expect during a MitraClip procedure?

Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute offers MitraClip procedures on an inpatient basis. The team provides anesthesia to keep you comfortable and relaxed. They also set up an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine to monitor your heart’s electrical activity throughout your treatment.

Your cardiology specialist makes a small incision in your groin near the femoral vein. They insert a catheter and guide it toward your heart using the imaging guidance of fluoroscopy, a real-time X-ray technology.

The catheter has a small instrument at its tip to create a hole in the wall that divides the heart chambers. Your surgeon inserts the MitraClip through the catheter to place it at the edges of your mitral valve. After placement, they remove the catheter and close the incision with stitches.

How long does it take to recover from a MitraClip procedure?

You can expect to spend a day or two in the hospital so the team can monitor your recovery and ensure there are no complications. They may prescribe medications to lower your risk of stroke or heart attack.

After discharge, your cardiologist provides additional resources to help you recover at home. They help you schedule follow-up visits in the weeks after surgery to assess how well the MitraClip is working.

The team can also recommend diet and lifestyle changes you can make to restore your heart health and increase the efficiency of your recovery.

Call the Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute office nearest you to schedule a consultation to learn more about the MitraClip procedure or book an appointment online today.