First MitraClip Procedure in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit Performed at CMQ Hospitals
A Major Milestone in Advanced Cardiology in Our Region
Hospital CMQ Riviera Nayarit achieved a major milestone in cardiovascular medicine in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit by successfully performing the first MitraClip™ procedure. This innovative, minimally invasive treatment offers a new option for patients with mitral valve disease who either want to avoid—or cannot undergo—open-heart surgery.
MitraClip™ is a structural and interventional cardiology technology that provides a safe and effective alternative to improve patients’ quality of life. Only highly specialized medical centers with advanced technology and experienced cardiac teams perform these procedures. For this reason, having access to this procedure at CMQ Hospitals reinforces our commitment to innovation and high-specialty care in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit.
From Diagnosis to Treatment: The Story Behind the First MitraClip in Puerto Vallarta
The first MitraClip™ procedure at CMQ Riviera Nayarit Hospital involved a 75-year-old American patient who arrived at the emergency department on February 22, 2026, with pneumonia. She was initially treated by Dr. Graciela Gómez, a specialist in critical care and geriatric medicine.
During her evaluation, the team referred her to cardiologist Dr. Leonel Molina, who performed an echocardiogram and identified a severe mitral valve abnormality. After reviewing her condition, the medical team determined that she could benefit from mitral valve repair using the MitraClip™ device.
The procedure was led by Dr. Óscar Millán Iturbe, along with our cardiology team, and lasted approximately three hours. After the intervention, the patient was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit at CMQ Riviera Nayarit, where she remained under observation for 48 hours before being moved to a regular hospital room to continue her recovery.
MitraClip G4 by Abbott: What Is It and How Does It Work?
The MitraClip™ G4, developed by Abbott, is a device used to treat severe mitral regurgitation—a condition in which the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward within the heart. This condition can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and, in advanced cases, heart failure.
MitraClip™ offers one of the most advanced solutions for repairing the mitral valve without open-heart surgery.
The procedure is performed using a minimally invasive technique known as transcatheter mitral valve repair. In this procedure, they insert a catheter through the femoral vein in the groin and guide it carefully to the heart. Once they reach the mitral valve, they place the MitraClip™ device to improve valve closure and reduce blood leakage.
The latest MitraClip™ G4 system gives physicians greater precision during the procedure. It includes multiple clip sizes and enhanced positioning control, allowing the team to tailor treatment to each patient’s anatomy. These improvements help optimize outcomes and expand treatment options for patients who cannot undergo surgery.
Benefits of the MitraClip Surgery for the Mitral Valve
The MitraClip™ procedure provides important benefits for patients with severe mitral regurgitation—especially those who cannot undergo traditional heart surgery. Its minimally invasive approach reduces surgical risk and shortens recovery time.
Patients often experience fewer heart failure symptoms, improved quality of life, and shorter hospital stays compared to conventional surgery. This technology also allows older adults and patients with complex conditions to receive effective treatment without facing high surgical risk.
Who Is a Candidate for a MitraClip Procedure?
Doctors recommend this procedure primarily for patients with severe mitral regurgitation. This condition can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and reduced physical activity. It is especially suitable for patients with high surgical risk due to age or underlying health conditions.
However, the decision to perform a MitraClip™ procedure is made by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including interventional cardiology, vascular medicine, and internal medicine. This team evaluates each case individually to determine whether the patient is a suitable candidate and can benefit from the procedure.
A Highly Specialized Multidisciplinary Team
A highly specialized medical team made this first MitraClip™ procedure in Puerto Vallarta possible. Experts in interventional cardiology, vascular medicine, nursing, and radiology worked together to ensure its success.
Dr. Óscar Millán Iturbe, an interventional cardiologist, led the procedure with support from CMQ cardiologists Dr. Joel Sánchez and Dr. Leonel Molina. The team also included Dr. Cinthia Martínez (vascular specialist), Dr. Andrea Parra (anesthesiologist), and Dr. Julio Sauza Sosa (echocardiography specialist). Additionally, clinical support staff—including surgical technologists, nurses, and radiology technicians—played a critical role throughout the procedure.
CMQ Hospitals: Leaders in Cardiology Procedures in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit
CMQ Hospitals continues to expand access to advanced cardiovascular treatments like MitraClip™. This reflects our commitment to high-specialty care and cutting-edge technology in the region. Our hospitals now offer innovative procedures that patients previously had to seek abroad. With strong infrastructure and a highly trained medical team, CMQ Hospitals continues to position itself as a leader in cardiology and high-quality healthcare in Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions About the MitraClip Procedures
MitraClip™ is a device used to repair the heart’s mitral valve through a minimally invasive procedure.
It is mainly recommended for patients with severe mitral regurgitation who are at high risk for open-heart surgery.
The procedure typically takes between two and four hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the patient’s anatomy.
MitraClip™ procedures are performed in specialized hospitals with interventional cardiology departments, such as Hospital CMQ Riviera Nayarit.
The device is designed to remain permanently in the mitral valve and has demonstrated durable long-term results.
