Details.
A less invasive mitral valve repair procedure that uses a catheter-delivered clip to join the mitral valve leaflets and reduce leakage. The procedure is performed through a small incision in the groin and is intended for selected patients with severe degenerative mitral regurgitation who are at high risk for conventional heart surgery. Imaging techniques, including three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography, are used to assess candidacy and monitor progress. Procedure time can range from one to three hours and may be longer depending on case complexity.