Comparison of outcomes of percutaneous MitraClip versus surgical repair or replacement for degenerative mitral regurgitation in octogenarians

Octogenarians affected by mitral regurgitation (MR) are an increasing high-risk population. MitraClip repair is emerging as a promising option for this kind of patients. In this retrospective study, the outcomes of patients aged ≥80 years, affected by isolated degenerative MR, who underwent isolated transcatheter (n = 25) or surgical (n = 35, 29 repairs and 6 replacements) mitral intervention from September 2008 to February 2014 were compared. MitraClip patients had higher mean age (84.5 ± 3.2 vs 81.9 ± 2.0 years, p <0.01), median Logistic Euroscore 19.4 (11.1 to 29.0) versus 8.4 (7.0 to 10.1) (p <0.01), median Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted mortality 5.3 (3.5 to 6.6) versus 2.7 (2.3 to 3.9) (p <0.01), and more advanced New York Heart Association class (III to IV in 68% vs 37%, p = 0.02). At 30 days, 1 death occurred in the MitraClip group (p = 0.2). MitraClip was associated with significantly less complications (p <0.05) but more residual MR >2 (p <0.01). Two-year actuarial survival rate was 90% for MitraClip versus 97% for surgery (p <0.01). Higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons mortality was associated with reduced follow-up survival rate (p = 0.01). Two-year actuarial freedom from MR >2 was 70% versus 100%, respectively (p <0.01). New York Heart Association class and quality of life improved after MitraClip and were similar to surgical patients. Recurrent MR >2 was not significantly associated with follow-up mortality in this elderly setting. After the introduction of MitraClip, octogenarian patients with isolated degenerative MR receiving mitral treatment significantly increased (p <0.01). In conclusion, MitraClip patients, despite being older, more symptomatic, and affected by more co-morbidities showed significantly reduced postoperative complications. Two-year mortality was higher in the MitraClip group likely because of co-morbidities. Transcatheter mitral repair resulted in more octogenarians being treated compared with the past.