Impact of MitraClip Program on the Volume and Outcomes of Mitral Valve Surgery: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Surgical repair has been the standard therapy for severe mitral regurgitation causing symptoms or left ventricular dysfunction. Percutaneous mitral valve repair has become an appealing alternative approach for patients who are not suitable for surgery. However, clinical trial data are not available on the institutional impact of a percutaneous mitral valve repair program on mitral valve surgery. The current study retrospectively evaluated the impact of the MitraClip program on the mitral valve surgery volume and outcomes. Patient data were retrieved from the 2 years before and the 2 years after initiation of the MitraClip program. The volume of MitraClip procedures increased from eight cases in 2015 to 91 cases in 2017. Since the initiation of the MitraClip program in 2015, the volume of both mitral valve replacement and mitral valve repair also increased (43 vs. 60 and 110 vs. 154, respectively). Importantly, we observed improved surgical outcomes, including fewer perioperative complications and lower operative mortality and in-hospital mortality. Data from our single-institution experience indicate that the introduction of the MitraClip program is associated with increased mitral valve surgery volume and improved outcomes. The establishment of the MitraClip program enables the hospital to provide higher quality of care and potentially become a referring center for structural heart patients.