CardioPulse Articles * The percutaneous approach to mitral valve repair * The future treatment of most cardiovascular diseases lies in percutaneous interventional techniques * Information for all: the American Heart Association * Personal experiences of emigre cardiologist: Johannes Waltenberger

The percutaneous approach to mitral valve repair Surgery is the gold standard for most patients with mitral regurgitation but advances in percutaneous techniques are increasing less invasive procedures Percutaneous mitral valve repair is a rapidly evolving area, with new technologies on the horizon.Currently, the MitraClip for edge-to-edge repair is the only device which is CE marked and available for use in Europe.In the USA, the MitraClip is still considered an investigational device, under continued access policy, following the completion of the EVEREST II (Endovascular Valve Edge-to-Edge REpair Study) randomized control trial comparing mitral valve repair using the MitraClip vs. surgery.1 About 50 centres in Europe have been using the technique since September 2008, and 2 years later, 1000 procedures have been performed.The rate of implants in Europe is accelerating, and in September 2010, around 100 patients were being treated per month.The issue now is how to incorporate the MitraClip technique alongside the standard treatment of mitral disease, which is surgical valve repair or replacement.