MitraClip

Mitraclip refers to a minimally invasive procedure used to treat leakiness or “regurgitation” of the mitral valve in select patients. Dr. Aidan R. Raney received expert training in Mitraclip during a 2-year fellowship at the prestigious Scripps Clinic in San Diego and started the Mitraclip program at St. Joseph hospital. The Mitraclip program at St. Joseph Hospital is now the highest volume program in Orange County, where Dr. Raney performs over 75 Mitraclip procedures per year.

Why choose St. Joseph for your Mitraclip procedure?

• Mitraclip outcomes at St. Joseph hospital consistently rank in the top 10% nationally.
• St. Joseph Hospital is the highest volume Mitraclip program in Orange County, and one of the highest volume centers in California
• Dr. Raney is involved in cutting edge clinical trials, including the TRILUMINATE study to evaluate the use of the MitraClip system in tricuspid regurgitation.

Why are patients referred for MitraClip?

The Mitraclip device is used to correct leakiness of the mitral valve, also known as mitral regurgitation. When the heart pumps, the mitral valve ensures that all blood moves forward into the body. With severe mitral regurgitation, as much as 50% of the blood is pumped backward. This can lead to buildup of fluid in the lungs, shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs.

What are the steps prior to the procedure?

Prior to Mitraclip, all patients will have a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE). This is a specialized ultrasound procedure used to evaluate the mitral valve. During TEE, a small ultrasound probe is inserted into the esophagus where very clear pictures of the mitral valve are obtained. An anesthesiologist is present to administer deep sedation, ensuring that patients are comfortable during the exam. The procedure takes around 30 minutes, and patients can go home after waking up from sedation.

After the TEE, patients consult with a cardiac surgeon, as some candidates may be better served by open heart surgery. The cardiac team will work together to decide what the best course of action is.

How is the procedure performed?

General anesthesia is used in all cases to ensure the patient is comfortable during the procedure. A small catheter (tube) is inserted into the femoral vein, which is a blood vessel near the hip. The MitraClip device is then advanced through the femoral vein and up into the patient’s heart. The clip is then carefully positioned under the leaky portion of the mitral valve and used to bring the leaky valve leaflets together. Once the appropriate position is confirmed, the clip is left in place and will decrease or eliminate the leaking blood.

What is the recovery from a Mitraclip procedure?

After the procedure, patients lie flat for 4-5 hours, and can then can sit upright in a chair. The majority of our patients are discharged after a one night observation in the hospital.

After discharge, patients can resume everyday activity, including walking. We recommend no heavy lifting for at least one week to give the artery time to heal. Bruising around the femoral artery is normal, as a small amount of blood may leak out into the soft tissue. This blood will be totally recycled, but it may take 3-4 weeks for the discoloration from bruising to resolve. It is ok to shower, but we recommend avoiding a bath until the puncture site has healed.

St. Joseph Hospital Mitraclip Program

Dr. Aidan R. Raney performs Mitraclip procedures at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange. This is the highest volume program in Orange County; Dr. Raney performs around 75 MitraClip procedures per year.