Interventional cardiologists have achieved a significant milestone by employing a new transcatheter device to treat tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in a high-risk heart failure patient with a previously implanted left ventricular assist device (LVAD). This procedure marks the first-ever utilization of the TricValve Transcatheter Bicaval Valves System, developed by P+F Products, in a patient with the Abbott HeartMate II LVAD.
The Challenge of Functional TR in Heart Failure Patients
Tricuspid regurgitation is a prevalent issue in heart failure patients, often arising due to annular dilatation. In end-stage heart failure patients with left LVADs, the presence of concomitant TR can pose challenges, with up to 25% of patients experiencing residual TR even one year after LVAD implantation. This persistent TR contributes to morbidity and mortality, particularly through the occurrence of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction.
A Promising Case Study
The 80-year-old female patient in this remarkable case study presented with persistent low-flow LVAD alarms and debilitating symptoms, including shortness of breath. Having faced multiple hospitalizations within the past year, she was initially deemed ineligible for surgical treatment due to her high-risk status. However, she was later granted “compassionate use” access to the TricValve device, opening the door to a potentially life-saving intervention.
Under the guidance of Dr. Hiram Grando Bezerra, a team of interventional cardiologists from the University of South Florida successfully implanted the TricValve Transcatheter Bicaval Valves System in the high-risk patient. By addressing the functional TR alongside the LVAD, the procedure aimed to alleviate symptoms, reduce morbidity and mortality risks associated with persistent TR, and improve overall cardiac function.
Transforming Treatment Paradigms: Potential and Implications
The successful implementation of the TricValve device in this high-risk heart failure patient showcases its potential in revolutionizing the treatment landscape for TR. By offering a minimally invasive transcatheter approach, the device provides a valuable alternative for patients ineligible for surgical interventions. This breakthrough not only enhances outcomes for high-risk individuals but also paves the way for further exploration and optimization of transcatheter solutions in addressing cardiac conditions.
