MitraClip

A leaky mitral valve (mitral regurgitation) can bring unexpected changes to your life, like frequent breathlessness or fatigue. But it doesn’t always have to be this way.

Experts at St. Peter’s Health Partners use MitraClip® to help many people feel like their old selves again. This tiny device improves mitral valve functioning. 

Who is MitraClip For? How Does it Work?

The MitraClip procedure is for people with mitral regurgitation, which occurs when the valve doesn’t fully close. Regurgitation is typically due to floppy tissue at the tip of the valve. It causes blood to flow back toward the heart, making your cardiovascular system work harder than it should.

MitraClip is a tiny device that attaches to floppy valve tissue. It helps the tip form a tight seal when it closes so blood doesn’t flow backward. We implant MitraClip during a nonsurgical procedure that’s gentler on your body than surgery.

Nationally Recognized 

St. Peter’s Health Partners maintains a record of heart care excellence. Our experts exceed national quality and safety standards for mitral valve repair, giving you access to a superior level of care. We have earned “high performing” status from U.S. News & World Report for several years in a row, placing us among the nation’s elite heart centers.

Why Choose St. Peter’s Health Partners for MitraClip?

St. Peter’s Health Partners is home to one of the Capital Region’s few fellowship-trained interventional cardiologists. This medical specialty uses long, thin tubes (catheters) to implant MitraClip and perform other procedures through tiny incisions. Our team includes additional highly skilled heart specialists who work together to tailor services to your unique needs.

Highlights of Our MitraClip Program Include:

• Coordination: You benefit from the combined recommendations of cardiac surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and other specialists. They review complex mitral regurgitation cases together to ensure you receive the most appropriate care. This approach means we only recommend the MitraClip if there is a high likelihood you’ll benefit from it. 
• Specialized Facilities: We often perform MitraClip procedures in our hybrid operating room. The room contains advanced imaging technology for catheter treatments, as well as surgical equipment. If you also need surgery to replace an aortic valve, you may be able to have both procedures done at the same time.
• Support: We are here for you to answer questions and provide the additional support you deserve. Nurse coordinators and other experts explain what happens before, during and after a MitraClip procedure. Between appointments, you can reach us by phone or electronically using MyChart.

Is the MitraClip Right for Me?

MitraClip is for severe mitral regurgitation. People with advanced forms of this type of heart valve disease experience symptoms that disrupt daily life. Read more about heart valve disease.

Eligible patients also do not have other heart conditions, like adult congenital heart disease or infections that affect valve functioning. With these conditions, we may still be able to perform a mitral valve repair, but it would be safer to use surgery.

The MitraClip Procedure: What to Expect

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation After a MitraClip Procedure

After coming home from the hospital, outpatient cardiopulmonary rehabilitation is an important part of your recovery. You participate in a personalized exercise and strength training program and receive healthy lifestyle coaching from our rehab team. Heart experts are in regular communication with this team to ensure your recovery stays on track.

St. Peter's Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation & Wellness offers outpatient rehabilitation services at the locations below. These facilities feature exercise equipment, a unique therapy pool, and a relaxed atmosphere. Services are available for a modest fee. 

If you need additional assistance, we also offer inpatient cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. These services are available through our renowned Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital. This service is similar to our outpatient program with personalized exercise and strength training and healthy lifestyle coaching. But you stay in our specialized rehab hospital between sessions.