Mitral valve dysfunction, located between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart, is a serious condition that previously required open-heart surgery with connection to a heart-lung machine. Currently, at the Top Ichilov clinic, minimally invasive catheterization using the MitraClip method is performed, which excludes the traumatic sternotomy (chest incision) and artificial cardiac arrest. The MitraClip procedure reduces the invasiveness of the operation and allows it to be performed even on patients who have contraindications for traditional surgery. This innovative procedure is successfully conducted at the Top Ichilov clinic, as confirmed by the words of patients who underwent MitraClip in Israel: reviews indicate effective elimination of the valve defect.
MitraClip Procedure in Israel: Indications
The indication for the MitraClip procedure is severe forms of mitral insufficiency caused by incomplete closure of the valve leaflets. Due to mitral valve stenosis, mitral regurgitation occurs (backflow of blood between the left chambers of the heart: ventricle and atrium). Abnormal valve function provokes more intense work of the heart muscle to maintain the body's vital functions. If no action is taken, mitral valve stenosis can lead to severe consequences, including patient death. Traditional implantation requires open-heart surgery; however, there is a category of patients for whom this type of surgical intervention is contraindicated: patients with renal or cardiac failure, patients in critical condition. It is primarily for them that the innovative MitraClip catheterization technique is relevant.
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Essence of the MitraClip Procedure
The MitraClip procedure involves the elimination of the mitral valve defect by placing special clips that eliminate the backflow of blood into the left atrium. At the Top Ichilov clinic, the procedure is performed by specially trained cardiac surgeons experienced in minimally invasive heart surgeries. The procedure is conducted under general anesthesia. No incisions are made in the sternum during the operation; a percutaneous method of catheter insertion is used, meaning through a puncture in the skin.
The percutaneous system used for mitral valve reconstruction consists of catheters and the MitraClip device. The catheters are introduced using a wire guide through the femoral artery. The gradual introduction of the guide into the left atrium is performed using a dilator, a special tool for enlarging natural openings. The guide and dilator are then removed. A clip is introduced into the left atrium. The clip is placed precisely above the site of incomplete closure of the valve. The clip's leaflets are opened. Using color Doppler imaging, the area of backflow is determined. The clip is advanced behind the valve leaflets, into the left ventricle. There, the clip is pulled back and closed, connecting the valve leaflets, thereby reducing mitral regurgitation (backflow). The task of the cardiac surgeon is to find the most accurate position for the clip, so the manipulation may be repeated several times.
As a result of placing the clip, a double orifice is created, through which blood flow occurs in both parts. Before disconnecting the catheter, the strength of the connection of the leaflets is checked, and then the catheters are removed. Firmly connected by both leaflets, the clip moves with the valve, not obstructing blood flow through the two created orifices. The clip is made of metal with a polyester coating for faster healing. The use of MitraClip can effectively eliminate mitral valve insufficiency.
After undergoing catheterization using the MitraClip method, the patient recovers much faster than after traditional surgery. During the recovery period, the patient is prescribed anticoagulants. Typically, after a month, the patient can return to their normal rhythm of life.
MitraClip in Israel: Price
The cost depends on the degree of mitral valve damage, the patient's condition, and the cost of medications for postoperative rehabilitation. Generally, the exact price is determined after diagnostic examinations. The MitraClip procedure for mitral valve reconstruction is technically complex and innovative in nature. It is performed only in leading clinics. The technique is the same; the difference between performing MitraClip in Europe and in Israel is the cost of the procedure. At the Top Ichilov clinic, it will cost the patient 30-50% less than in a European clinic of the same level.