New Device Could Help Treatment for Heart Failure

A new clinical trial conducted at 78 sites in the US and Canada found that a tiny clip inserted into the heart greatly reduced death rates in patients suffering from heat failure. The study also found that patients who received this device avoided increased hospitalizations and reported better quality of life with fewer symptoms. The device, called the MitraClip, repairs the mitral valve in the heart by clipping the flaps together to help facilitate proper blood flow through the heart. 614 patients with severe heart patients were randomly given the device. 151 patients that only received medical treatment were hospitalized compared to 92 who were given the device. The device is approved the FDA, but only for patients who are not in a position to have surgery. Doctors expect that the FDA will soon approve this device for patients with severe heart failure. For more on the study, click here.