Mitral Valve Repair Blog - Page 3
By Adam Pick
MitraClip Gets FDA Approval: 5 Facts You Need To Know
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: June 24, 2025
In case you missed it… The MitraClip just received a Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approval in the United States. This is REALLY big news as the MitraClip is now the first-and-only transcatheter valve therapy for patients with leaking mitral valves, also known as regurgitation. Using the MitraClip, physicians can treat defective mitral leaflets without causing any trauma to the patient’s sternum or ribs. Yep, you read that right. No cracked bones!
Inside Access: The 2013 Valve Reconstruction Workshop at the Mitral Foundation Center (Video)
By Adam Pick on August 5, 2013
I recently attended a very unique event called the 2013 Valve Reconstruction Workshop at the Mitral Foundation Center. I thought you might like to see how this extraordinary workshop and this state-of-the-art conference center is transforming heart valve treatment… So, I filmed this video.
Free eBook & Video for “The Importance of Mitral Valve Repair Surgery for Patients” Webinar
By Adam Pick on July 18, 2013
Good news!
“Am I A Candidate For The MitraClip Procedure?” Asks Kate
By Adam Pick on July 17, 2013
I just received a great question from Kate about mitral valve prolapse, severe regurgitation and the MitraClip.
Why is the Mitral Conclave So Important for Patients, Cardiologists & Surgeons?
By Adam Pick on July 8, 2013
It’s not often that 1,000 heart surgeons and cardiologists gather in one spot to discuss and debate best practices for mitral valve therapy. In fact, it never happened until Dr. David Adams, Chairman of Cardiothoracic Surgery at The Mount Sinai Medical Center, brainstormed the idea. Then, with the full support the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS), that idea transformed into the… Mitral Conclave.
“Can The Robot Do Mitral Valve Repair & Coronary Artery Bypass?” Asks Rena
By Adam Pick on June 30, 2013
I just received a great question from Rena about mitral valve repair and coronary artery bypass grafting (also known as CABG). Rena writes to me, “Hi Adam – I’m in for a ‘double doozie’. I have a bad mitral valve (severe regurgitation) and a blocked artery. My cardiologist suggests surgery soon. In looking at the different options, I’m curious to know if the robot can do both mitral valve repair and bypass in one procedure? If so, is it safe or risky?”
Top 5 Questions About Today’s Patient Webinar
By Adam Pick on June 25, 2013
I’ve received several questions about “The Importance of Mitral Valve Repair Surgery for Patients” webinar that is scheduled for today. That said, I’m posting the 5 most common questions for your review.
Webinar Update: Registrations Soar! Now Accepting Another 100 Registrations And… Your Questions!
By Adam Pick on June 19, 2013
The response to our upcoming webinar, “The Importance of Mitral Valve Repair Surgery for Patients”, greatly exceeded expectations. For that reason, we just extended our registration capabilty to another 100 people for the live event — scheduled on Wednesday, June 26 at 1pm EST. To join this educational webinar for patients, you can register by clicking here.
Patient Webinar Annoucement: “The Importance of Mitral Valve Repair Surgery” on Wednesday, June 26 at 1pm EST
By Adam Pick on June 13, 2013
As patients with mitral valve disease can be confused about their diagnosis, treatment options, surgeon selection and outcomes, I am excited to announce that we will be hosting a live webinar titled, “The Importance of Mitral Valve Repair Surgery for Patients”, on Wednesday, June 26 at 1pm EST.
Surgeon Q&A: “What Are Your Top 3 Pieces of Advice For Mitral Valve Repair Patients?” with Dr. David Adams
By Adam Pick on June 1, 2013
There is nothing better than good, honest and trusted advice for patients.
“Is Robotic Mitral Valve Repair Surgery Safe Compared to a Sternotomy?” asks Ken
By Adam Pick on February 21, 2013
I received a great question from Ken. In his email, Ken writes, “Hi Adam – After being diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse in 1995, I now need surgery to fix the valve. During my research, I have come across robotic valve repair surgery. My question… Is this procedure safe compared to a sternotomy?””
What Is A Common Misconception About Mitral Valve Repair?
By Adam Pick on February 19, 2013
At the recent STS conference in Los Angeles, I was able to meet and discuss several important topics about heart valve surgery with leading cardiac surgeons.
Understanding Heart Valve Surgery Re-Operations with Dr. Anyanwu
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Medical Expert: Anelechi Anyanwu, MD, Mount Sinai Hospital
Page Last Updated: May 12, 2025
One of the unfortunate realities of heart valve surgery is the possibility of a re-operation. Patients may need a re-operation due to valve device failure, post-operative issues relating to heart valve repair or the progression of valve disease.
Tech Update: NeoChord Mitral Valve Repair Device Gets CE Mark
By Adam Pick on January 8, 2013
As we continue to monitor the newest technologies enhancing valvular therapy, I though you might like to know that the NeoChord mitral valve repair system recently received a CE mark for use in Europe.
Heart Valve Summit Video #3: “What Is The Likely Progression of Systolic Anterior Motion of the Chordae?” Asks Jim
By Adam Pick on October 19, 2012
Leading up to the Heart Valve Summit, I received an interesting question from Jim. He asked, “Adam – What is the likely progression of systolic anterior motion of the chordae?”
“Are Mitral Leaflets Repaired During A Valve Replacement Re-Operation?” Asks Brian
By Adam Pick on March 9, 2012
As a follow-up to our last conversation about aortic valve replacement re-operations, Brian just sent me an interesting question about replacement devices that require leaflet repair.
“Should I Go With The Robot For My Mitral Valve Repair?” Asks Doug
By Adam Pick on February 4, 2012
Doug sent me a great question about his options for mitral valve repair surgery. In his email, Doug wrote, “I have severe mitral regurgitation and I need surgery. I’m considering two surgeons… One surgeon uses the robot and the other surgeon does not. Which is a better choice for me?”
Heart Valve Summit Video #7: “Are All Patients Candidates For Robotic Mitral Valve Repair?” Asks Evan
By Adam Pick on November 22, 2011
A few days before the Heart Valve Summit, Evan sent me a great question that reads, “Adam – Specific to mitral valve repair with a robot… Are all patients candidates for this surgical technique?”
Video: Pediatric Mitral Valve Leaflet Repair & My ‘Oprah’ Moment
By Adam Pick on November 13, 2011
Emotions are powerful. They surface quickly. They alter biochemistry. They transform seconds into memorable moments.
Heart Valve Summit Video #2: “Are Patients With A Failed Mitral Valve Repair Candidates For A MitraClip?”Asks Gayle
By Adam Pick on November 1, 2011
The possibilities of transcatheter valvular therapy are exciting. However, these minimally-invasive approaches to treating heart valve disorders are new and still without FDA approval in the United States. That said, my inbox is filled with patient and caregiver questions about devices including the CoreValve, the SAPIEN and the MitraClip.
Upcoming Surgeries
Corey Potter
Aortic Regurgitation
July 11, 2025
Tricia Casey
Mitral Regurgitation
September 1, 2025
Jonathan Calleja
Mitral Regurgitation
October 1, 2025
