Abstract
Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the second most frequent valve disease world wide and comprises organic or primary and functional or secondary MR. Secondary MR is caused by pathologic remodeling of the left ventricle or valve apparatus, and mostly affects an elder population with severe co-morbidities. This common manifestation of MR contributes to the poor prognosis of such patients. Therapeutic options for the treatment of patients with chronic ischemic MR are limited, current guidelines are based on weak evidences and the optimal treatment is still a matter of controversy. Surgical correction of secondary MR is only advised in patients with indication for concomitant surgical revascularization. The MitraClip procedure is a new interventional approach aiming to reduce MR by direct edge-to-edge repair of the diseased valve. Current evidence confirms the safety and efficacy of this method in selected patient populations. This minimal invasive therapy is a new treatment option for high-risk, non-surgical patients with relevant MR.
