Percutaneous Repair or Surgery for Mitral Regurgitation

This study compared a percutaneous, catheter-based method, in which a clip is placed to approximate the edges of the two mitral-valve leaflets, with conventional surgery. The procedure obviated the need for open-heart surgery in 80% of the patients who received it. Severe mitral regurgitation is associated with progressive left ventricular dysfunction and congestive heart failure. 1 Without intervention, symptomatic patients have an annual rate of death of 5% or more. 1 – 3 Medical management alleviates symptoms but does not alter the progression of the disease. 2 Current guidelines recommend surgery for moderate-to-severe (grade 3+) or severe (4+) mitral regurgitation in patients with symptoms or evidence of left ventricular dysfunction. 4 – 6 One surgical approach for mitral-valve repair involves approximation of the mitral leaflets with suture to create a double orifice. 7 – 9 This procedure has been described for treatment of degenerative mitral regurgitation and is usually . . .