Edge-to-edge percutaneous repair of severe mitral regurgitation--state-of-the-art for Mitraclip® implantation

MitraClip® therapy is a percutaneous edge-to-edge plication of the mitral leaflets, mimicking the Alfieri surgical technique. MitraClip® implantation is a safe procedure, and survival outcomes in high-surgical-risk patients are superior to historical controls. Despite these results, questions remain concerning long-term efficacy and durability. The MitraClip® device has been studied in a safety and feasibility trial in the USA, a randomized pivotal trial against surgical mitral valve repair. Moreover, MitraClip® now has over 2 years of CE-mark approval and a rapidly expanding clinical experience in Europe, primarily in patients at high risk for surgery. A dedicated multidisciplinary team is necessary, as well as thoughtful patient selection, familiarity with the technical aspects of the procedure, including transesophageal ultrasound imaging and post-procedure monitoring. Currently available clinical data and procedural steps are herein reviewed. Because the MitraClip® procedure is still relatively new, continued investigation is required to further better define the patient populations that will benefit most.