Repairing or replacing the mitral valve would normally require open heart surgery. For patients who are older or frail, this can be a high-risk procedure and have a longer recovery time.
A MitraClip is a relatively new device that is implanted percutaneously (through the skin) using a catheter, which is inserted via a vein at the top of the leg. The device is then used to “clip” the leaking portions of the mitral valve.
The procedure normally only takes between two and three hours, and patients will be discharged from hospital within a couple of days. The treatment has been shown to reduce MR, enable faster recovery and improve quality of life.
The MitraClip procedure is carried out by consultant interventional cardiologists, Dr Robert Smith and Professor Carlo Di Mario.
We are one of only three centres in the UK that has been commissioned to implant 40 MitraClips a year by the Department of Health’s Commissioning through Evaluation programme, which aims to offer patients access to promising new treatments while gathering new data.
Important: Inpatient paediatric services are moving to Evelina London Children’s Hospital
From May 2026, children’s heart and lung inpatient services are moving to Evelina London Children’s Hospital. Find out more about the changes we are making to children’s heart and lung services
The most common disease to affect the mitral valve is mitral regurgitation, which is when blood leaks backward through the mitral valve when the left ventricle contracts, making the heart work hard
Heart valve clinic contact information
Clinical lead
Clinic location
Outpatients department (Outpatients East)
Fulham wing / South Block
Fulham Road
Royal Brompton Hospital
Booking appointments
Phone: 020 7351 8011
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Clinical nurse specialists
Phone: 020 7351 8497
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm