Severe mitral regurgitation recurrence after successful percutaneous mitral edge-to-edge repair by Mitraclip in primary mitral regurgitation: Insights from a three-dimensional echocardiography study

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. The average 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%CI 1.12-13.19; 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 results from a complex interplay between anatomical (tissue excess) and procedural criteria (quality of ultrasound guidance and MitraClips spacing).