Charlotte Maxeke Hospital becomes first GP facility to perform MitraClip heart implant procedure

JOHANNESBURG - The Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital has successfully performed a MitraClip implant procedure, making it the first healthcare facility in Gauteng to treat leaking hearts with this innovative technique.  

The procedure is designed for patients suffering from mitral regurgitation, a serious heart condition where the mitral valve leaks, allowing blood to flow backwards into the left atrium.  

The MitraClip implant procedure offers a life-changing solution for patients who are unsuitable candidates for open-heart surgery.  

One of its key advantages is its ability to significantly reduce recovery time, with many patients able to return home just one or two days after the insertion.  

The Charlotte Maxeke Hospital conducted the procedure earlier last week under the expertise of renowned cardiologists.  

This breakthrough marks a significant advancement in heart valve therapy, making it accessible to both public and private patients in Gauteng.  

The MEC for Health in the province, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has welcomed the breakthrough procedure, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors.  

Department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said, “This allows us as the public health sector to pioneer new ways of improving patient care.”  

This achievement marks the fourth round of MitraClip implants in South Africa, following successful procedures performed at two hospitals in the Western Cape.