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Updated: Nov 11, 2025

A Simplified Stepwise Approach to Echo Guidance during Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair
Published on: October 16, 2021
The rare case of a MitraClip device migrating into the left ventricular apex
Gaku Takinami1, Yoshifumi Nakajima2, Shigeto Tsuji2
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Iwate Medical University, 2-1-1 Idaidori, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate Prefecture, 028-3695, Japan. dark_6cherries@yahoo.co.jp.
Abstract:
A 79-year-old man with atrial fibrillation and heart failure due to grade 4 + mitral valve regurgitation after coronary artery bypass underwent the MitraClip procedure using two clips. Three days after the procedure, chest radiographs indicated migration of one of the two clips into the left ventricle. He suffered from 3 + recurrent mitral regurgitation, tricuspid valve regurgitation. The echocardiogram and computed tomography scans indicated migration of the clip into the left ventricular apex; he underwent mitral valve replacement, removal of the migrated clip to prevent embolism, left atrial appendage closure, and tricuspid valve ring-annuloplasty. In the postoperative acute phase, embolism by detached and lost MitraClip device is possible, which can be difficult to remove.
Insights
A transcatheter mitral valve repair device (MitraClip) migrated into the left ventricle, causing severe mitral regurgitation. Surgical intervention was required to remove the clip and repair the valve.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
- Medical Device Complications
Background:
- The MitraClip procedure is a minimally invasive treatment for severe mitral regurgitation.
- Device migration is a rare but serious complication following transcatheter valve interventions.
Observation:
- A 79-year-old male patient experienced MitraClip device migration into the left ventricle three days post-procedure.
- This complication led to recurrent severe mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation.
Findings:
- Echocardiography and CT confirmed clip migration to the left ventricular apex.
- The patient required mitral valve replacement, clip removal, left atrial appendage closure, and tricuspid valve repair.
Implications:
- Embolism from detached MitraClip devices is a potential postoperative risk.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing device migration complications.
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Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management
Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management

