First time in Rest of Tamil Nadu, doctors’ team at Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre (MMHRC) successfully performed a novel approach MitraClip procedure to save 58 years old woman, known case of non-ischemic dilated Cardiomyopathy with severe secondary Mitral Regurgitation (MR). She underwent CRT-D for heart failure. An open heart surgery was not a viable option for the patient because of her heart conditions.

MR is a type of heart valve disease in which the valve between the left heart chambers doesn’t close completely, allowing blood to leak backward across the valve. If the leakage is severe, not enough blood will move through the heart or to the rest of the body. It allows blood to leak back into the heart’s left atrium and lungs, leading to heart failure, pulmonary congestion, and even death.

Dr. R. Sivakumar, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, MMHRC said, “We are proud to introduce this novel procedure to our patients who suffer from severe MR and have no other options. MitraClip is a game-changer in the field of cardiology as it offers a safe and effective way to treat a life-threatening condition without major surgery. Speaking about the procedure, he stated that through her right femoral vein, the interatrial septum was punctured at a specific location with the assistance of a 3DTEE, and a MitraClip was delivered by grasping the two leaflets of the mitral valve in the best plane possible. As a result, the grade 5 MR decreased to grade 1 MR, and she gradually felt better and was discharged.

Dr. N. Ganesan, HOD, Department of Cardiology, MMHRC said, “We are confident that this procedure will improve the lives of many people in our region and beyond. MitraClip offers a minimally invasive, non-surgical alternative to repair a leaky mitral valve in the heart. The hospital stay is usually 2 to 3 days and the patients can resume their normal activities within a week.” Prior to the procedure, the surgical options were reviewed by a team of surgeons and the cardiologist. The case was well discussed and the necessary arrangements for the procedure were suitably made.

Talking about the condition, Dr. S. Selvamani, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, MMHRC said, “The patient who underwent the MitraClip procedure was suffering from severe mitral regurgitation, causing significant limitations in their daily activities and quality of life. We were able to successfully repair the patient’s mitral valve with the revolutionary MitraClip technology and providing her with a new lease on life.

Dr. M. Sampath, Senior Consultant, MMHRC said, the role of 3d transesophageal echocardiography, biplane, x-plane were crucial in this procedure. This technique is entirely dependent on 3D TEE, and it was carried out entirely in accordance with its results.

Dr. P. Jeyapandian, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, MMHRC said, even CRT-D for heart failure was performed on this patient. Despite undergoing procedures for heart failure, spurred on by mitral regurgitation the patient underwent a MitraClip procedure.

Dr Kumar S, Senior consultant, HOD, Department of Cardiac Anesthesiology added that the meticulous treatment plan devised by a multidisciplinary team achieved superior results for the patient. The event-less procedure, done under general anesthesia, took around hours to complete. She has experienced a remarkable improvement in her symptoms and was discharged 3 days after the procedure. She is now on the path to a healthier and more fulfilling life.” The patient was at high risk for surgery was treated using a non-invasive procedure and a MitraClip.

Dr Krishnan RM, HOD, Department of cardiothoracic surgery and Dr M. Rajan Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery both commented that “Today marks a significant step forward in the treatment of severe mitral regurgitation. The successful performance of the MitraClip procedure at MMHRC showcases our hospital’s commitment to staying at the forefront of medical advancements and our dedication to improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Ramesh Ardhanari, (Medical Director, HOD- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology) and Dr B Kannan, (Medical Administrator), MMHRC were also present at the press conference. Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre is known to be one of the finest cardiac care centres in Tamil Nadu.