The clip grasps portions of the affected valve leaflets and brings them closer together. This improves coaptation, meaning the leaflets meet more effectively during valve closure, so less blood escapes backward. The repaired valve then forms two smaller openings rather than one larger poorly sealed opening, reducing regurgitant flow and potentially improving cardiac performance.
Creating two smaller openings is a direct consequence of approximating the valve leaflets at a central point. This arrangement reduces the area through which blood can leak backward during closure. The goal is not to replace the valve, but to alter leaflet positioning so the existing valve seals more effectively and limits abnormal regurgitation.
Suitability depends mainly on the presence of selected mitral or tricuspid regurgitation and the risk associated with conventional surgery. The technique is especially relevant when open surgery presents substantial risk. These considerations help clinicians identify patients who may benefit from a less invasive repair option while addressing clinically important valve leakage.
Cardiac imaging first guides the intervention and identifies the affected valve and leaflet region. A catheter is then used to deliver the repair clip to that location. The device grasps and approximates the leaflets, after which the altered valve geometry is intended to reduce leakage. Imaging remains central to guiding device placement.
This approach may be considered for selected patients whose surgical risk makes conventional open repair less suitable. It expands treatment options by addressing mitral or tricuspid regurgitation through a minimally invasive catheter-based strategy. The decision is therefore linked not only to the valve disorder, but also to whether surgery would present substantial procedural risk.
By reducing regurgitant flow and improving leaflet coaptation, the procedure may lessen symptoms and support recovery. It can also improve cardiac function in appropriate patients. Its clinical value is particularly important for individuals who need treatment for mitral or tricuspid regurgitation but may not be suitable candidates for conventional open surgery.