Interventional Cardiologists Develop New Procedure

Interventional Cardiologists Develop New Procedure
http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2009/0105-alternative_to_open_heart_surgery.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011 /08/110828101756.htm
Interventional cardiologists created a mitral valve clip inserted with a catheter instead of open heart surgery to fix mitral valve regurgitation. Mitral valve regurgitation is when the heart valve doesn't close tightly and blood leaks back into the heart chamber instead of being forcefully pushed out to the body. A catheter is inserted through the groin and travels up to the mitral valve then the clip is fed through and attaches to the valve's leaflets to tighten it. This procedure is a better alternative to those in poor condition who may not survive open heart surgery. The recovery time is reduced from months to weeks.
The Mitra Clip was first tested in other countries and recently became available in the U.S. There was a voluntary recall in April 2011 because part of the delivery system detached when the catheter was removed. This complication occurred with three patients but has since been resolved. In an April 2011 story, the Mitra Clip procedure was considered safer but less effective than
cardiac resynchronization therapy.