Complications Following MitraClip Implantation

Purpose of review: To provide a detailed overview of complications associated with MitraClip therapy and its development over time with the aim to alert physicians for early recognition of complications and to offer treatment strategies for each complication, if possible.

Recent findings: The MitraClip system (MC) is the leading transcatheter technique to treat mitral regurgitation (MR) and has been established as a safe procedure with very low adverse event rates compared to mitral surgery at intermediate to high risk or in secondary MR. Lately, the fourth MC generation has been launched with novel technical features to facilitate device handling, decrease complication rates, and allow the treatment of even complex lesions. Although the complication rate is low, adverse events are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The most common complications are bleeding, acute kidney failure, procedure-induced mitral stenosis, and an iatrogenic atrial septal defect with unknown clinical impact.