UC Davis Health cardiology team is one of the first in the country to perform a successful transcatheter tricuspid valve repair procedure using a groundbreaking catheter. The procedure, known as transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER), is minimally invasive and made possible by a new medical device called the Abbott TriClipâ„¢ system. UC Davis Medical Center is among the first sites in the country to have commercial access to TriClip. This procedure is a major advancement in treating tricuspid regurgitation, also known as a leaky heart valve.UC Davis Medical Center is the first hospital in the Western United States to adopt this system, following its recent approval by the U.S. FDA. The hospital also conducted clinical trials for the procedure in 2023.
“We are thrilled to provide our patients with this new treatment option, which can significantly improve their quality of life without the high procedural risks often associated with tricuspid surgery,” said Gagan D. Singh, associate professor of cardiovascular medicine and the surgeon who performed the first procedure at UC Davis Medical Center.
Tricuspid regurgitation is a heart condition in which the tricuspid valve fails to close properly.
The tricuspid valve is responsible for regulating blood flow in the heart. When it malfunctions, it can cause blood to flow backward into the atrium, putting strain on the heart.
Approximately 1.6 million Americans are affected by tricuspid regurgitation. Symptoms may include pulsing in the neck veins, liver enlargement, fatigue, and widespread swelling.
Current non-surgical treatments involve diuretics and symptom-relief medications. If left untreated, tricuspid regurgitation can lead to serious health issues such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, kidney disease, and mortality.
“Severe tricuspid regurgitation, a debilitating condition with significant morbidity, has historically led to high-risk surgical interventions or monitoring and treatment with diuretics,” explained Jason H. Rogers, a cardiovascular medicine professor.
Procedure for Tricuspid Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair
Of the four valves in the human heart, there is no universal method for repairing any leaks that may occur. For instance, while a catheter-based system can repair the mitral valve, it cannot be used for the same purpose on the tricuspid valve.
The tricuspid valve is unique due to its location, thinness, and variability. A new system has been created specifically for the tricuspid valve’s position, location, and shape. Under general anesthesia, the device is delivered to the heart through a catheter, beginning in the groin and guided by X-ray and ultrasound. Once in place, the clip brings together portions of the leaflets, improving the seal and reducing the leaking. The safety and clinical efficacy of the device were tested as part of the TRILUMINATE Pivotal trial, with UC Davis Health being one of the sites with the highest enrollment rate.s in the national trial.
“This minimally invasive approach allows the heart to pump blood more efficiently and relieve symptoms of tricuspid regurgitation,” said Rogers, who will be performing additional tricuspid TEER procedures.
A leader in transcatheter edge-to-edge repair
UC Davis Health has been a leader in transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for almost twenty years. Along with the transcatheter tricuspid valve repair procedure, the medical center’s cardiac services also provide various minimally invasive catheter-based mitral valve procedures.
“Being one of the first centers in the country to offerThe fact that the TriClip system is now commercially available is a real privilege and a reflection of the excellent team-based approach to patient care at UC Davis Health,” stated Singh. “The UC Davis Structural Heart Team is one of the most outstanding and comprehensive teams in the country. Our commitment to delivering thorough, efficient, and top-quality care to our patients is what motivates us to be pioneers in the field.
