Posterior Mitral Leaflet Replacement to Reduce Mitral Regurgitation
Official title: Early Feasibility Experience of Posterior Leaflet Replacement to Reduce Mitral Regurgitation Using the MRace Implant (United States)
Run by Polares Medical SA · NCT07517588 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This early feasibility trial tests the MR-ace Implant and Delivery System to see if it can reduce symptoms and leaks in people with moderate-to-severe functional mitral regurgitation.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Polares Medical SA Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 3 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2032 |
| Registry record updated | September 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07517588 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with symptomatic moderate-to-severe functional MR (3+ or higher) who are high-risk but operable for mitral valve surgery and on stable GDMT.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not experience a reduction in mitral regurgitation or symptom improvement may not benefit from the device.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates whether implanting the MR-ace device can lessen mitral regurgitation and improve patient symptoms. It enrolls patients with symptomatic moderate-to-severe functional MR who are high-risk but operable for surgery. Participants receive the MR-ace implant and are followed for up to five years with regular clinic visits, tests, and quality of life surveys. The trial focuses on device safety and the durability of symptom relief and valve leak reduction. It is an early feasibility study conducted at three U.S. centers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience reduced mitral valve leakage and improved symptoms and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in similar mitral interventions have shown potential benefits, but this exact MR-ace approach is being evaluated in early feasibility settings.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Patient has symptomatic moderate-to-severe to severe functional mitral regurgitation despite stable doses of maximally tolerated guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) per the Local Heart Team.
Note: In the 30 days prior to performing screening assessments, no new GDMT medications should be introduced and current doses should be stable (i.e. no decrease of \> 50% or increase of \> 100%) excluding diuretics. Any changes beyond this range would not be considered stable GDMT.
2. Functional MR graded 3+ or higher (using a scale of 0 to 4+) by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) within 60 days prior to study procedure as evaluated by the sponsor's Echo Core Lab.
3. New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Class II, III or ambulatory IV heart failure
4. Patient must present with an STS Score less than 10% and deemed by the Local Heart Team to be at high risk but operable for mitral valve surgery.
5. The Local Heart Team deems the patient unsuitable for commercially approved transcatheter mitral valve therapies
6. 21 years of age or older
7. Native mitral valve geometry and size is compatible with the Polares MRace system
8. Anatomy is suitable for transfemoral transseptal access with the Polares MRace system
9. Patient is willing to participate in study and provides signed IRB/EC-approved informed consent
10. Treating physician and patient agree that patient is able to return for all required post-procedure follow-up visits
11. Patient is approved by an independent Patient Eligibility Committee
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Echocardiographic parameters (any of the following, assessed by the Echo Core Lab)
1. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) \< 30%
2. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) \> 70mmHg or \> 2/3 SBP (Systolic Blood Pressure)
3. Left Ventricle End Diastolic Volume (LV EDV) \> 200 mL
4. Left Ventricle End Systolic Volume (LV ESV) \> 140 mL
5. Left Ventricle End Diastolic Diameter (LV EDD) \> 70 mm
6. Left Ventricle End Systolic Diameter (LV ESD) \> 55 mm
2. Severe Right Ventricle (RV) dysfunction as per assessment by Local Heart Team or Eligibility Committee .
3. Severe tricuspid regurgitation.
4. Severe aortic stenosis or insufficiency.
5. Severe mitral annulus calcification.
6. Diseased mitral anterior and/or posterior leaflet, such as flail, / prolapse, or/ heavy moderate to severe calcification.
7. Barlow's disease.
8. Presence of an implanted vena cava filter or any other device (e.g. ASD closure device) that may interfere with femoral vein access or delivery system access to the mitral valve.
9. Contraindication for transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or MDCT scan
10. Active infection or endocarditis or infection requiring antibiotic therapy within 2 weeks of scheduled procedure.
11. Previous mitral valve surgery or transcatheter mitral valve procedure.
12. Prior orthotopic heart transplantation.
13. Evidence of intra-cardiac, inferior vena cava (IVC) or femoral venous thrombus. History of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism within 6 months of the index procedure.
14. Untreated Class I indication for pacing (CRT). Implant or revision of any pacing device \< 30 days prior to intervention
15. Any untreated clinically significant coronary artery disease requiring revascularization. Coronary, carotid, or endovascular artery disease treated percutaneously \< 30 days prior to study procedure. Cardiac surgery \< 90 days prior to study procedure.
16. Myocardial infarction requiring intervention \< 30 days prior to study procedure
17. Infiltrative cardiomyopathies (e.g., amyloidosis, hemochromatosis, sarcoidosis), hypertrophic or restrictive cardiomyopathies, and constrictive pericarditis)
18. Active peptic ulcer or upper gastrointestinal bleeding \< 90 days prior to study procedure.
19. Stroke \< 180 days prior to study procedure.
20. Severe COPD requiring oral steroid therapy or oxygen therapy.
21. Severe renal insufficiency (creatinine \> 3.0 mg/dL) or patient requiring dialysis
22. Cardiogenic shock at time of enrolment. Hemodynamic instability requiring inotropic support or mechanical heart assistance.
23. Concurrent medical condition with a life expectancy of less than 2 years
24. Pregnancy or breastfeeding at time of enrolment with a positive pregnancy test within 14 days of study procedure.
25. History of bleeding diathesis or coagulopathy or leukopenia (WBC \< 3,000 mcL) or acute anemia (Hb \< 9 g/dL) or thrombocytopenia (platelets \< 50,000 cells mcL)
26. Known hypersensitivity or contraindication to aspirin, heparin, ticlopidine or clopidogrel, nitinol, tantalum or allergy to contrast agents that cannot be pre-medicated.
Note. Patient must be able to tolerate at least one antiplatelet medication AND one anticoagulant medication.
27. Severe dementia or lack of capacity due to conditions that result in either inability to provide informed consent for the trial/procedure, prevent independent lifestyle outside of a chronic care facility, or will fundamentally complicate rehabilitation from the procedure or compliance with follow-up assessments.
28. Patient is in need for emergent or urgent surgery for any reason or any planned cardiac surgery within the next 12 months.
29. Company employees or their immediate family members.
30. Patient is considered to be part of a vulnerable population, is under guardianship, or subject to any other medical, social or psychological conditions that preclude appropriate consent and follow-up.
31. Patient is participating in another clinical study for which follow-up is currently ongoing.
Where it's running
-
Emory Midtown
Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting -
Montefiore Medical Center
The Bronx, New York, United States Not yet recruiting -
The Lindner Research Center at The Christ Hospital
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States Not yet recruiting
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Replacing the native mitral valve with the ReValve System
This study will test whether replacing the native mitral valve with the ReValve System helps adults with symptomatic, clinically significant mitral regurgitation who are appropriate candidates for mitral valve surgery.
-
Mitral valve replacement with the SATURN TMVR system for severe mitral regurgitation
This study tests whether the SATURN TS transcatheter mitral valve replacement can be safely implanted and work well in adults with severe mitral regurgitation who are high-risk for open-heart surgery.
-
Outcomes after new edge-to-edge mitral valve repair
This project will follow people with mitral regurgitation who receive transcatheter edge-to-edge repair at Amsterdam UMC to see how they do long-term and whether patient selection can be improved.
-
Surgical implantation of a polymer prosthetic mitral or aortic valve
This will test a surgically implanted polymer heart valve to see if it is safe and works well for adults who need mitral or aortic valve replacement.
-
GeminiOne transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for severe symptomatic mitral regurgitation
This trial will try the GeminiOne TEER system to treat adults with severe, symptomatic mitral regurgitation who are high surgical risk or have not improved with medical therapy.
-
Comprehensive imaging of valve regurgitation and recurrence risk after atrial fibrillation ablation
This project will use 3D transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography to try to find imaging signs that predict valve regurgitation and which adults with atrial fibrillation planning ablation are more likely to have recurrence.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.