A study of 505 patients with symptomatic heart failure and moderate-to-severe secondary mitral regurgitation compared mitral valve repair using the MitraClip device plus medical therapy to medical therapy alone. The patients were divided into three groups based on their baseline health status, measured by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ).
Over 24 months, the MitraClip procedure reduced the risk of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization, though the benefit varied across health status groups. The effect was strongest in patients with moderate baseline symptoms, while those with very low or high symptom scores showed less clear benefit.
Patients who received the MitraClip were about three times more likely to have meaningful improvements in their symptoms at 6 months, such as a 5-, 10-, or 15-point increase on the KCCQ. They were also less likely to experience worsening of symptoms.
The study suggests that mitral valve repair can improve quality of life and reduce hospitalizations for some heart failure patients. However, the results were not consistent across all groups, and more research is needed to identify which patients benefit most.