A Rare Case of Frequent Ventricular Fibrillation After MitraClip Therapy: Nursing Strategies for Success

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common valvular heart disease and is associated with a high-surgical risk for older or comorbid patients. MitraClip therapy, a percutaneous mitral valve repair method, provides a safe and effective alternative to open-heart surgery and has been validated in real-world settings. To date, critical care nursing experience for MitraClip therapy remains limited. We aimed to present and discuss the critical care nursing experience of a patient with frequent ventricular fibrillation (VFiB) after MitraClip therapy. Case study. We reviewed and retrieved the necessary information from the medical records. A 73-year-old man with severe MR who underwent MitraClip therapy was transferred to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CICU) and experienced three episodes of frequent VFiB within 72 h. He required standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and nine unsynchronised defibrillations of 150 J, along with blood pressure support (norepinephrine), potassium supplementation, anti-infection medication (ceftriaxone and levofloxacin), anticoagulant therapy (clopidogrel and enoxaparin sodium) and nutritional support (albumin and enteral nutrition). The patient finally restored sinus rhythm, was extubated, and after 5 days in the CICU, was transferred to the general cardiology ward. Effective treatment and qualified nursing care, including the application of emergency interventions, correction of the possible causes of frequent VFiB, administration of anticoagulant therapy, monitoring for other complications and provision of rehabilitation and nutritional support, contributed to the patient's successful discharge. Critical care nurses are pivotal in providing resuscitation, specialised care, rehabilitation and nutritional support. This article systematically consolidates evidence-based strategies for the nursing management of frequent VFiB in this specific patient population. By providing structured guidance on assessments, emergency responses, post-defibrillation care and complication prevention, it equips critical care teams with actionable knowledge to enhance patient safety, optimise recovery trajectories and standardise best practices within the critical care setting.