MitraClip/E-Clip
What is Mitral Valve Regurgitation?
When blood flows backward into your heart through the mitral valve, the condition is known as mitral valve regurgitation. It is the job of your heart to pump blood out to the rest of the body, but its ability to do so may be inhibited by this condition. At the root of the problem is a mitral valve that does not close tightly enough to block blood from coming back in. If your doctor deems this condition to be severe enough to warrant treatment, a MitraClip procedure may be a possibility.
How It Works
As with anything related to heart health, the specifics of this treatment are rather technical in nature. However, in basic terms, the idea is to clip the center of the mitral valve together in order to limit how much blood is allowed to flow in the wrong direction as the heart works. The sides of the valve will still open and close as usual, but with the clip in the middle, there should be reduced regurgitation.
A Fit for Some Patients
Opting for a MitraClip procedure is a particularly attractive option for individuals who are not deemed healthy enough to go through the rigors of open-heart surgery. The toll that an open-heart surgery can take on a patient is significant, as the heart is temporarily stopped, and the chest is opened up. It is possible to repair or replace this valve on a patient who is healthy enough to undergo the surgery, but that will not be the case for everyone. If open-heart surgery isn’t a good choice, the MitraClip treatment could be the right fit. Because it is minimally invasive, there is less of a strain placed on the patient during the procedure. When it is placed successfully and it achieves the goal of reducing mitral regurgitation, patients can enjoy an improved quality of life and an overall reduction of the symptoms that were experienced previously. Speak with your doctor directly if you would like to know more about this kind of treatment and whether or not it could serve your needs.
Turn to Beverly Hills Cardiovascular MitraClip procedure is a notable treatment we provide at Beverly Hills Cardiovascular, but it is just one of many provided by Dr. David Filsoof and his staff. Some of the other options we have available include carotid ultrasound, venous ultrasound, nuclear stress test, and many more. To get started, give us a call and ask any questions you may have, or schedule your first appointment. Our friendly team will be glad to serve you!
