TAVR vs MitraClip: Which Heart Procedure Is Right for You?

Minimally invasive heart procedures such as TAVR and MitraClip are changing how doctors treat valve-related issues, particularly in elderly patients. In Chennai, where awareness of heart health is growing, understanding the differences between these procedures can help patients and families make informed treatment choices.

Difference Between TAVR vs Mitraclip?

Both are minimally invasive heart procedures available in Chennai that avoid open-heart surgery, but each targets a different heart valve:

•       TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) is focused on the valve of the aorta.
•       MitraClip is a treatment that is applied in mitral valve regurgitation, in which the valve fails to close completely.

Each procedure has its own benefits, suitable patients, and follow-up care. 

Comparison Between TAVR vs Mitraclip

What Is TAVR?  

TAVR is a minimally invasive surgery procedure used to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open normally (aortic stenosis). A catheter is inserted and a small opening is made, usually in the leg, through which a new valve is inserted. The method prevents open-heart surgery and is especially useful in cases of the elderly or complicated patient issues.

Most patients are able to engage in light activities within a few days and generally experience a quicker recovery period. Many TAVR procedure hospitals in Chennai now prefer this approach due to its lower complication rates and faster recovery outcomes. TAVR is now widely preferred for non-surgical heart valve replacement in India.

Benefits of TAVR

•       Faster recovery than open-heart surgery
•       Ideal for elderly or high-risk patients
•       No need for large surgical incisions
•       Lower risk of complications

Who Is a Good Candidate for TAVR?

Patients with:

•       Severe aortic stenosis
•       Symptoms like chest pain or fainting
•       Age or other medical conditions causing high surgical risk

For individuals above 70 or those whose health conditions make them unsuitable for open-heart surgery, TAVR is often a preferred and less invasive option.

Why Is Blood Thinner Prescribed After TAVR?

Blood clots are avoided around the newly fixed valve through the use of blood thinners, which keep you free of any clots. These medications help lower the chances of complications such as valve obstructions. 

Your heart valve specialists in Chennai will advise the right blood thinner depending on your general condition, age, and your risk factors. 

 What age is best for TAVR?

As a rule, patients 70 years of age and older are the most responsive, but younger patients can be prescribed with comorbidities. However, younger patients may also be considered when underlying health issues or other risk factors make traditional surgery less suitable.

What are the disadvantages of TAVR?

•       Valve leakage possibility (paravalvular leak)
•       Inappropriate in case of patients with bicuspid valves
•       Younger patients may have shorter-lasting valves as compared to surgical procedure

What Is MitraClip?

Mitra Clip is a non-surgical intervention for mitral valve regurgitation in which the valve is unable to close tightly. During this minimally invasive surgery, a tiny clip is placed on the valve, enabling it to seal better and thereby decreasing the volume of the blood that flows backwards.

This procedure improves heart function and relieves symptoms commonly mistaken for signs of heart attack, such as breathlessness and fatigue, especially in patients who are not ideal candidates for surgery.

Cardiologists often prescribe it due to the benefits provided to increase the quality of life and decrease recovery duration.

Benefits of MitraClip

•       Suitable for patients with mitral regurgitation who cannot be operated upon
•       Less invasive, fewer hospital stays
•       Better symptoms of tiredness and shortness of breath

Who is a good candidate for MitraClip?

Patients with:

•       Mitral regurgitation
•       Heart failure symptoms due to mitral valve regurgitation
•       Poor surgical risk
•     Functional mitral regurgitation

How long does MitraClip last?

Clinical trials demonstrate that the clip is effective for at least 5 years, and in many patients, the symptoms are resolved permanently. At Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals, Dr. Vignesh Pushparaj, a leading cardiologist in Velappanchavadi, has successfully used the MitraClip procedure to improve the quality of life for many patients with mitral valve issues.

Is MitraClip safe for MRI?

Yes, in most cases, patients who have undergone the MitraClip procedure can safely undergo MRI scans. However, individual medical conditions may vary, so it’s essential to confirm with your care team. After a procedure, it is essential to have a follow-up with your care team and see an appropriate time to move on. Your cardiologist specialising in senior heart care in Tamil Nadu will ensure that the imaging is safe and effective.

What is the disadvantage of MitraClip?

Here is the disadvantage of the MitraClip:

•       May not eliminate regurgitation completely
•       Some patients might require additional interventions later
•       Limited data in younger patients or those with specific valve anatomies

Conclusion

TAVR and MitraClip both offer hope to heart patients who do not qualify for traditional surgery. The choice between the two depends on the specific valve problem and the patient’s overall health condition. Our interventional cardiologists in Chetpet at Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals offer patient-centric cardiac solutions within the ecosystem of the Leading multispeciality healthcare center in Chennai,  ensuring holistic and reliable treatment.

If you or a relative has symptoms of valve disease, discuss this with a trusted doctor to consider your options.

FAQs

Q1. Which is safer: TAVR or MitraClip?
Both are safe when performed by experienced doctors. Safety depends on individual health conditions.

Q2. Is open-heart surgery better than TAVR or MitraClip?
Not always. TAVR and MitraClip are better for high-risk patients who cannot undergo open-heart surgery.

Q3. Can these procedures be performed without general anaesthesia?
Yes. Both are often performed under conscious sedation, reducing recovery time.

Q4. What is recovery like after TAVR or MitraClip?
Most patients return home within 2-3 days and recover faster than with traditional surgery.

Q5. Are these procedures available in Chennai?
Yes. Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals offers both procedures performed by leading cardiology experts.