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Penn Medicine is a national leader in MitraClip therapy, a catheter-based procedure used to treat severe mitral valve regurgitation or leaking. In 2003, a Penn cardiologist performed the second MitraClip procedure in the United States, and we continue to pioneer new uses for this treatment. Research and clinical trials conducted by Penn investigators were pivotal in the approval of MitraClip for all types of mitral regurgitation.
MitraClip is a nonsurgical option for high-risk patients who need mitral valve repair but are not candidates for mitral valve surgery. Using a catheter (a thin, flexible tube), your cardiologist places a clip on your mitral valve. The clip stops the leak by enabling your valve to close more completely. Penn cardiologists use MitraClip to treat two types of mitral regurgitation:
A team of interventional cardiologists and imaging specialists work together to safely repair your mitral valve. You’ll be under general anesthesia for two to three hours. During the MitraClip procedure, your cardiologist:
Our cardiac team will closely monitor your recovery and comfort. Expect to feel better immediately after a successful procedure and spend only one to two days in the hospital. Your cardiologist will evaluate your valve one month after surgery and then perform yearly surveillance. You may need to add aspirin to your daily regimen and your current medications may be adjusted.
The MitraClip procedure carries a low risk for complications. Benefits of mitral valve repair using MitraClip include: