ATNN,Kolkata, April 12: A revolutionary, minimally invasive procedure for treating a serious heart condition known as Mitral Regurgitation (MR) has been successfully launched in Kolkata, offering new hope to critically ill patients. This advanced treatment, previously available only in other states or abroad, is now accessible locally, thanks to recent medical advancements and initiatives by the Health Care Foundation.
Mitral Regurgitation occurs when the mitral valve—a key component of the heart that ensures blood flows in the correct direction—fails to close properly, causing blood to leak backward into the left atrium. This condition can lead to severe complications such as heart failure, fluid accumulation in the lungs and other parts of the body, breathing difficulties, fatigue, and even death if left untreated.
Traditionally, patients with MR required open-heart surgery, a high-risk procedure especially for elderly or critically ill individuals. However, Kolkata has now introduced a cutting-edge, catheter-based technique called Mitral Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (MTEER), performed using the MitraClip device.
In a press conference held at the Kolkata Press Club, organized by the Health Care Foundation, interventional cardiologist Dr. Subhra Bandopadhyay and MitraClip expert Dr. Sumanta Mukhopadhyay detailed the benefits of the procedure. Two patients who had undergone the treatment and recovered were also present, sharing their success stories.
Dr. Bandopadhyay explained, “Among the four valves of the heart, the mitral valve is crucial for maintaining proper blood flow. When it malfunctions due to birth defects or muscular issues, it cannot fully close, leading to MR. This results in mixed oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, disturbing the body’s entire system.”
He added, “Early symptoms include increased heartbeat, fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the feet, and disrupted sleep. Left untreated, MR can lead to atrial fibrillation, reduced liver and kidney function, and eventual heart failure.”
Dr. Mukhopadhyay elaborated on the MTEER procedure: “Instead of risky open-heart surgery, we now insert a catheter through a small incision in the groin and guide it to the mitral valve. Using advanced imaging technology like transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) and X-ray, we precisely place the MitraClip to close the leak. Patients typically recover within one to two days and can return home soon after.”
Experts hailed the procedure as a game-changer for patients with severe MR. With its introduction in Kolkata, patients no longer need to travel to other states for life-saving treatment.
This marks a significant step forward in interventional cardiology in Eastern India and offers a safer, less invasive, and highly effective alternative to open-heart surgery for mitral valve repair.
