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MitraClip® Therapy at UPMC in Central Pa.

MitraClip is a breakthrough treatment option for patients suffering from mitral regurgitation (MR).

Why choose UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute for MitraClip therapy?

The cardiovascular experts at UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute were the first in Pennsylvania to perform a catheter-based valve repair with the MitraClip following the device’s approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

What is MR?

MR is a progressive disease in which a leaky mitral valve causes a backward flow of blood in your heart. The condition can raise your risk of irregular heartbeats, stroke, and heart failure. MR is a common condition that affects more than 4 million Americans -- and nearly one in 10 people age 75 and above.

Open-heart mitral valve surgery is the standard treatment, but many patients are unable to have open-heart mitral valve surgery because they are at high risk of complications from an invasive procedure. MR medications only help to manage symptoms and do not stop the progression of the disease.

What is MitraClip therapy?

The MitraClip system is a catheter-based, minimally invasive treatment option that can treat MR in patients who cannot have traditional open surgery. The MitraClip device is delivered to your heart by a catheter inserted into a blood vessel in your groin.

After the device is implanted, it allows your heart to pump blood more efficiently, relieving MR symptoms and improving your quality of life. When compared to traditional open surgery, MitraClip offers several benefits, including:

  • Increased patient safety
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Faster recovery
  • Reduction in MR
  • Improvement in symptoms
  • Reduced hospitalizations for heart failure

What happens during the MitraClip procedure?

During the MitraClip placement procedure, a catheter-like tube will be threaded through your femoral vein in your leg and into your heart. After the device is in place, the leaflets of your mitral valve will be clipped together, helping to prevent a backflow of blood.

What can I expect after MitraClip therapy?

When your procedure is completed, you will be moved to recovery for observation and monitoring. You will stay in the hospital for 2-3 days after your procedure.

How long does it take to recover after MitraClip therapy?

Your doctor will provide more information about your recovery after MitraClip therapy and will let you know when you can resume your normal activities. Most patients who have MitraClip therapy notice an improvement in symptoms shortly after their procedure. However, you should follow your doctor's instructions and go to all of your follow-up appointments.

Additional Resources

Need more information?

Call the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at 1-855-275-6478.

Request Information. 

Locations 

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Brady Building
205 South Front Street
4th floor
Harrisburg, PA 17104

Phone: 717-231-8555
Fax: 717-231-8568  

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute (formerly Cardiac Consultants)
1697 Crown Avenue
Suite 100
Lancaster, PA 17601

Phone: 717-299-5000
Fax: 717-431-1205

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
12 Saint Paul Drive
Suite 205
Chambersburg, PA 17201

Adult Cardiology: 717-217-6881
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200
Fax: 717-217-6889

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Outpatient Services at UPMC Memorial
1703 Innovation Drive
Suite 4120
York, PA 17408

Heart and Vascular: 717-849-5576
Fax: 717-718-9972

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