A relative of mine may be eligible for a trial of a percutaneous mitral valve repair. thoughts on safety and effectiveness?

Mitral repair: This is an ongoing study to determine the effectiveness of the percutaneous procedure. The study had to be approved by the irb of the institution where the study is being performed. Early studies are encouraging and appear relatively safe. She should discuss this with the investigator doing the study.

Percutaneous MV rep: It's also important to realize that these percutaneous procedures do not fix the leak completely and that if the valve leak worsens after the percutaneous procedure, he/she will more than likely need mitral valve replacement.

Results mixed: The results with this trial are mixed and mostly viewed as being poor. I would not consider this technique unless the patient is non-operable (surgical risk excessive). The data on this trial has been published and is available to review.