Oklahoma Heart Institute First in Tulsa to Offer MitraClip to Improve Lives for Mitral Regurgitation Patients
TULSA, OK – Oklahoma Heart Institute is first in Tulsa to offer MitraClip ®, a revolutionary treatment option for Mitral Regurgitation (mitral valve disease) patients.
Mitral Regurgitation (MR) is the most common type of heart valve disease and occurs when the mitral valve leaflets do not fully close, causing blood to backflow and leak into the left atrium of the heart. MR can increase risk of irregular heartbeats, stroke and heart failure. The condition affects nearly one in ten people aged 75 years and older.
Medications for MR may reduce symptoms, but do not stop the disease’s progression. Until MitraClip, the diseased valve would be repaired or replaced during open heart surgery. However, due to age or pre-existing conditions, some patients are not candidates for such an invasive surgery. These patients were often times left without an option for treatment.
FDA approved in late 2013, MitraClip is delivered to the heart through the femoral vein during a minimally invasive procedure. Once implanted, the clip allows the heart to pump blood more effectively by reducing MR, relieving symptoms, improving quality of life and reducing risk for serious complications.
“MitraClip offers new hope to many people living with MR. Patients enjoy a short recovery time and hospital stay while experiencing nearly the same outcomes as patients undergoing traditional open heart surgery,” said Dr. Kamran Muhammad, director of the Structural Heart Disease Program. “At OHI, our mission is to provide cutting-edge, high-quality cardiovascular care in the communities we serve. MitraClip is another example of our commitment to this mission.”
Recognized by US News & World Report, USA Today Cath Lab Digest, the American Heart Association and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Heart Institute has earned a reputation as one of the finest tertiary cardiovascular care programs in the country. From advanced diagnostic procedures not available elsewhere in the state to innovative first-time procedures, Oklahoma Heart Institute has dedicated itself to providing the citizens of northeastern Oklahoma with the highest level of cardiovascular care.
In addition to its hospital based services, Oklahoma Heart Institute is improving access to cardiology care in communities throughout northeastern Oklahoma. The clinic offers two Tulsa metro clinics and 14 regional clinic locations in communities across Green Country.
To learn more about Oklahoma Heart Institute’s physicians, services and locations, please visit www.oklahomaheart.com.
