Navi Mumbai: A 78-year-old patient with severe mitral regurgitation has successfully undergone the MitraClip procedure, marking a significant advancement in minimally invasive heart care. The rare and complex procedure, performed at Medicover Hospital, offers a lifesaving alternative to open-heart surgery for high-risk patients.

The patient, Mr. Shivaji Sanglikar, a resident of Mumbai, had been suffering from chronic heart failure for over three years. His ejection fraction was critically low at just 10%, making him prone to severe mitral regurgitation, where blood leaks backward due to improper valve closure.

Six months ago, he underwent a CRT-D (Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy with Defibrillator) implantation, which improved his heart function to 35% and reduced frequent hospitalizations. However, persistent breathlessness and fatigue due to severe mitral regurgitation continued to affect his daily life.

Due to his advanced age, diabetes, and chronic renal failure, he was not a candidate for open-heart surgery. Seeking an alternative, he consulted Dr. Anup Mahajani, Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Valves Expert, who recommended the MitraClip procedure—a minimally invasive approach to repairing the mitral valve without surgery.

A specialized team, led by Dr. Anup Mahajani, along with Dr. Saibal Kar (inventor of the procedure, USA), Dr. Manoj Agarwala (Hyderabad), and Dr. Nitin Burkule (Echocardiography Expert), performed the MitraClip procedure using 3D Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) to assess the valve condition and ensure precision.

The MitraClip device, inserted via a catheter, was carefully placed on the mitral valve to reduce regurgitation, restoring normal blood flow. Unlike open-heart surgery, which takes several hours, this procedure was completed in just 1.5 hours, with the patient discharged the very next day.

“The MitraClip is a revolutionary device that allows mitral valve repair without surgery, offering new hope to patients who cannot undergo traditional open-heart procedures. It significantly reduces symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, and heart failure episodes, leading to fewer hospitalizations and improved quality of life,” said a doctor

Dr. Anup Mahajani emphasized, “Without timely intervention, the patient’s condition could have worsened, possibly leading to heart failure complications. The MitraClip provided an immediate improvement, and it is incredibly rewarding to see him breathing easier and living a better life.”

Following the successful procedure. Sanglikar expressed his relief and gratitude:

“For years, I struggled with severe breathlessness and could barely perform simple tasks. Thanks to Dr. Mahajani and his team, I can now walk, spend time with my family, and live independently. This procedure has truly given me a second chance at life.”

“The successful MitraClip procedure at Medicover Hospital represents a major breakthrough in minimally invasive cardiac care, offering a safer and more effective treatment option for high-risk patients. As medical advancements continue, procedures like these are reshaping heart failure treatment, providing renewed hope for patients worldwide,” the doctor added.