The mitral valve is located between the left heart chambers (left atrium and left ventricle) and keeps blood flowing in the correct direction. Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a condition in which the mitral valve leaflets do not close tightly. When this happens, blood flows backward from the left ventricle into the left atrium. The heart must then work harder to push blood through the body, which can cause fatigue, shortness of breath and worsening heart failure.

There are several causes of mitral regurgitation and these include:

• Heart disease (such as heart attack), or other conditions that weaken the heart muscle
• Deterioration of valve tissue
• Congenital valve abnormalities

For mild cases, treatment may not be necessary but you will need to be monitored closely by your doctor. For more severe cases, options include medical treatment, surgery, or a less-invasive transcatheter mitral valve repair (MitraClip therapy).

Symptoms depend on how advanced it is and how quickly it has developed. Some patients may not experience symptoms, but when present, they include:

• Shortness of breath, especially after exertion or when lying down
• Fatigue and exhaustion, especially during increased activity
• Cough, especially at night or when lying down
• Swelling of ankles and feet
• Sensations of a rapid, fluttering heartbeat

The MitraClip therapy is a minimally invasive procedure to treat moderate to severe mitral valve regurgitation. This procedure is reserved for patients who are not suitable for surgical repair/replacement.

The MitraClip device is attached directly to your mitral valve, without opening your chest. To access the mitral valve, a catheter (a long, thin, flexible tube) is guided through a vein in your leg to reach your heart.

The device is passed through the catheter and is then clipped to the mitral valve, allowing the valves to close more completely and therefore helps to restore normal blood flow through the heart.

Images contributed by Abbott Vascular