MitraClip: a literature review

Abstract

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common valvular disease characterized by the backflow of blood into the left atrium due to improper closure of the mitral valve. This condition is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients with heart failure. Traditionally, open-heart surgery is the treatment of choice, but many patients are ineligible due to high surgical risk. In this context, MitraClip, a minimally invasive transcatheter intervention, emerges as a promising therapeutic alternative. This study reviewed the scientific literature on the use of MitraClip in the management of MR, with an emphasis on its efficacy, safety, and clinical impact. The analyzed studies indicate that MitraClip reduces mitral regurgitation, improves quality of life, and decreases hospitalization rates for heart failure, particularly in patients with functional mitral regurgitation and high surgical risk. Moreover, the perioperative complication rate is lower compared to conventional surgery. However, the procedure’s effectiveness depends on the appropriate selection of patients and a detailed evaluation of anatomical and clinical characteristics. Among the challenges associated with MitraClip are the device's high initial costs and its limited accessibility in resource-constrained healthcare systems. It is concluded that MitraClip is a safe and effective intervention for selected patients, establishing itself as a viable alternative for the treatment of mitral regurgitation. Future studies should focus on long-term outcomes and strategies to expand access to this technology in different clinical and economic contexts.