Mitral valve too small for clips. Other options?

[Bongleur]

A friend of mine had a failed surgery because it turns out that the "flaps" on the mitral valve are too small for "clips" to do any good. Don't ask me to explain it, that's all I know about it.

1) Can anyone explain?
2) What are other options?

 

[LRDave]

Replace the mitral valve with either artificial or a transplant valve.

My father (at 85 years old - a very health 85....) had surgery to either repair or replace. Fortunately the surgeon was able to repair - a much simpler surgery. But the team was also prepared for a replacement. You are only going to perform open heart surgery on an 85-year-old person once.

My father wouldn't have lived more than a few months if he did not have the surgery. He came through with flying colors and at 95, his heart is fine.