Team launches leading-edge mitral valve clip program

Early in the summer of 2025, the Cardiovascular team performed the first mitral valve clip procedure at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. This minimally invasive procedure helps to repair a leaky mitral valve without the need for open-heart surgery.

“Launching this program at our hospital marks an exciting step forward as we embrace leading-edge therapies to ensure our patients have access to the latest advancements in cardiovascular care,” comments Ball structural heart team physicians Mohammed Madmani, MD and Karim Saleb, MD.

The procedure is designed to treat severe mitral regurgitation, a condition where the mitral valve fails to close properly leading to backflow in the heart and congestion in the lung. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath and eventually heart failure.

This procedure is typically recommended for patients who are not suitable candidates for traditional open-heart surgery due to age or other health issues. The entire procedure typically lasts 2 – 3 hours, and most patients can go home the next day. Recovery is also quick, with many resuming normal activities within a week.

“Our first patient underwent the mitral valve procedure in June and is feeling great,” says Jo Webster, program coordinator for Ball Cardiovascular. “He was able to have his follow-up appointments with Dr. Saleb at the IU Health Specialty Care Clinic in Portland along with attending Cardiac Rehab at IU Health Jay. The convenience of keeping them close to home helps with achieving positive outcomes for these patients.”

The team has performed several of the procedures since June 2025 and are continuing to see success.

For more information on the IU Health Cardiovascular team and services, call 765.289.5420.