Considerations on the use of MitraClip in the treatment of mitral regurgitation

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is, by occurrence, the second most common valvular heart disease in the Western world, with a significant impact on prognosis and mortality. A significant number of patients with significant mitral incompetence cannot be submitted to conventional surgery due to high surgical risk. The need for an adequate therapeutical strategy prompted the development of innovative endovascular techniques. Among them, the MitraClip percutaneous system, mimicking the ‘edge-to-edge’ surgical technique introduced by Alfieri in 2003 has emerged as the treatment of choice in patients not suitable for conventional surgery. Since its introduction, this procedure has been effectively carried out in more than 35 000 patients. The evidences from the first randomized clinical trial, EVEREST II, suggested that the MitraClip system is effective in improving survival and quality of life in patients with severe MR. Further randomized trials, MITRA-FR and COAPT, added some more information, showing that an appropriate patient selection, close attention to the specific anatomical characteristics of the mitral valve, and adequate experience of the centre providing the treatment, are important determinants of the outcome of the procedure.