Patients with moderate to severe MR for consideration for mitral valve intervention are referred initially to a cardiothoracic surgeon who is involved in the MitraClip programme. If patients are deemed not suitable for surgery, referral will be made for consideration for MitraClip.
Patients who are considered for MitraClip would then need to undergo some investigations. These include, but are not limited to:
Once these investigations are done, cases will be brought up at our Heart Team's discussions.
Patients will be admitted one day before the procedure, and will be hospitalised for one to three days after the procedure. The procedure is done under general anaesthesia and takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. After the procedure, patient will be admitted to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) to be monitored before being transferred to a general ward.
Most patients do not need special assistance at home after the procedure (outside of ongoing needs for any related health conditions). There may be a bruise at the punctured site and some soreness when walking may be expected. The surgical wound at the groin should take about 2 weeks to heal. Patient will be on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for at least 3 months post-procedure.
Upon discharge, patients will be reviewed at NHCS outpatient clinic at 1 month, 6 months, 1 year and annually thereafter with a TTE and necessary blood tests done before each visit.
