Mitral and tricuspid valve clips

A possible solution for patients:

experiencing symptoms of leaking mitral and tricuspid heart valves
who have been diagnosed with mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation
who are not a candidate for mitral or tricuspid valve surgery

Understanding leaky heart valves

The mitral and tricuspid valves open and close to control the direction of blood flow in the heart. Controlling the direction your blood flows is vital in getting blood to the rest of the body. When the mitral or tricuspid valve is weak, it can’t close all the way, allowing blood to flow backward – making it a “leaky valve.” Because the heart has to work harder to keep blood moving, a leaky valve can lead to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) and heart failure.

About mitral and tricuspid valve procedures at Beacon

Mitral and tricuspid valve clips help the valves close more completely, eliminating back flow of blood. This minimally invasive procedure, performed by Beacon’s cardiology and vascular experts, can repair your heart and restore your quality of life faster and with less pain.

A catheter is advanced through a vein and into the heart. Once in the heart, a clip is deployed which reduces the degree of regurgitation or “leaking” of the mitral valve and tricuspid by helping the valve close more completely. This helps restore a more normal blood flow through the heart.

Frequently Asked Questions about MitraClip and TEER

Who is a candidate for a mitral or tricuspid valve clip procedure?

These minimally invasive procedures are for patients with severe symptomatic primary (degenerative) or secondary (functional) mitral regurgitation (MR). Patients at higher risk for open heart surgery due to age, frailty or condition of the heart may be considered for one of these repair solutions. Testing and evaluation by the team will help determine which is right for you.

What are the benefits of mitral and tricuspid valve clips?

Minimally invasive catheter-based therapy; no opening of the chest or stopping the heart
One overnight hospital stay, in most cases.
Reduction of symptoms associated with heart failure (shortness of breath, fatigue, fluid retention), which improves patient quality of life.
Reduced risk of hospitalization due to heart failure.

What should I do if I think I have a leaky valve?

If you experience symptoms and/or have been diagnosed with mitral or tricuspid valve regurgitation, but you aren’t a candidate for mitral valve surgery, ask your provider if this procedure is right for you. They’ll connect you to an interventional cardiologist and clinical cardiologist who will discuss the next steps for repairing your mitral valve.

Will I need surgery?

There are many causes of mitral valve regurgitation, and cases range from mild (requiring no procedure) to severe. In severe cases, signs of heart failure related to the leaky valve can include:

Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Dry, hacking cough
Frequent urination
Fainting
Swollen ankles and feet

What will I experience during surgery?

As a minimally invasive procedure, you will likely experience shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery.

Procedure takes 1-3 hours.
Most patients go home within 1-3 days
People experience less risk of mortality, have fewer hospitalizations, and feel better than if they had only used medication.

Will I feel the clip?

No, the implant will not be felt. It will be visible on an echocardiogram of your heart.

About our team

Beacon’s team of providers in northern Indiana and southwest Michigan, makes it easier to get the care you need close to home. This means you do not need to travel for minimally invasive mitral and aortic surgery.

Read more about our certifications and accolades

Providers

Our heart team physicians are fellowship-trained and experienced, and our multidisciplinary clinical team will care for you and keep you as comfortable as possible as you recover.

Beacon has the experience and technology you’re looking for, close to home. See us at one of our hospitals or outreach clinics.

Hospitals: Beacon Kalamazoo Heart Institute, Elkhart General Hospital, Memorial Hospital of South Bend
In Indiana, visit our outreach clinics: Bremen, Goshen, Granger, LaPorte, Mishawaka and Plymouth
In Michigan, visit our outreach clinics: Allegan, Battle Creek, Coldwater, Dowagiac, Hillsdale, Marshall, Plainwell, Portage, Sturgis and Three Rivers