Two- and Three- Dimensional Echocardiographic Imaging During Percutaneous Mitral Clip Procedure

MitraClip system is the only available device for percutaneous treatment of significant mitral regurgitation (MR). By clipping the anterior and posterior mitral leaflet, a double orifice (Alfieri-like) mitral valve (MV) is created which decreases the annular dimension and MR severity (Wunderlich et al., Cardiol Clin 31:237–270, 2013). Echocardiography, mainly transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), plays a critical role in the procedure, not only during the procedure itself but also in the selection of possible candidates, evaluation of early and late results and detection of complications (Cavalcante et al., JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 5:733–746, 2012; Zamorano et al., Eur Heart J 32:2189–2214, 2011; Silvestry et al., J Am Soc Echocardiogr 20:1131–1140, 2007; Altiok et al., Clin Res Cardiol 100:675–681, 2011). In the present chapter we will review the role of 2D and 3D echocardiography in the process, focusing on the procedure itself and highlighting benefits of 3D echocardiography.