Severe mitral regurgitation recurrence after successful percutaneous
mitral edge-to-edge repair by Mitraclip: Insights from a
three-dimensional echocardiography study
Abstract
Background: The sustainability of the results of mitraclip procedures is
a source of concern. Aims: To investigate risk factors of severe mitral
regurgitation (MR) recurrence after Mitraclip in primary MR. Methods and
results: Eighty-three patients undergoing successful Mitraclip
procedures were retrospectively included. Valve anatomy and Mitraclips
placement were comprehensively analyzed by post-processing 3D
echocardiographic acquisition. The primary composite endpoint was the
recurrence of severe MR. Mean age was 83±7 years-old, 37 (44%) were
female. Median follow-up was 381 days (IQR 195-717) and 17 (20%)
patients reached the primary endpoint. Main causes of recurrence of
severe MR were relapse of a prolapse (64%) and single leaflet
detachment (23%). Posterior coaptation line length (HR 1.06 95%CI
1.01-1.12 p=0.02), poor imaging quality (HR 3.84, 95%CI1.12-13.19;
p=0.03), and inter-clip distance (HR 1.60, 95%CI 1.27-2.02;
p<0.01) were associated with the occurrence of the primary
endpoint. Conclusions: Recurrence of severe MR after a MitraClip
procedure for primary MR is common and results from a complex interplay
between anatomical (tissue excess) and procedural criteria (quality of
ultrasound guidance and MitraClips spacing).