Treatment Of Tricuspid Regurgitation Research Articles

Modified Clover Technique Using Automated Suture Placement and Securing Technology in a Passive Beating Heart Model

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a prevalent finding in echocardiography and in case of severe disease is associated with impaired patient outcome. Clover repair offers a surgical solution that can be applied for the treatment of primary and secondary TR. An ex vivo passive beating porcine heart model was created to test a modified clover technique using automated suturing devices and to compare this approach to standard ring annuloplasty. Secondary TR was induced in 10 porcine hearts and the backflow of fluid was assessed. The primary endpoint of this study was regurgitant volume measured in mL at the site right atrial cannula. The baseline regurgitation was 43.3 ± 10.8 mL. The mean regurgitant volume was significantly reduced after all repair procedures to 22.2 ± 5.9 mL with isolated ring annuloplasty, 12 ± 3.9 mL with the modified clover, and 7.6 ± 3.4 mL with the combined procedure (p < 0.0001). The modified clover technique shows how to effectively reduce TR in an ex vivo model. This method may be suitable to facilitate tricuspid repair, especially for totally endoscopic valve surgery.

PERCUTANEOUS CORRECTION OF "BADLY ACCOMPANIED" MASSIVE TRICUSPID REGURGITATION

Abstract Background Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a common valvular pathology that impairs quality of life and survival. Tricuspid transcatheter edge–to–edge repair (t–TEER) has shown promising potential in the TR treatment. There remains several uncertainties such as timing of intervention in relation to clinical status, RV function, pulmonary artery pressure and many comorbidities that are often overlooked. Case Summary A 80–year–old man with dilated cardiomyopathy, persistent atrial fibrillation and biventricular defibrillator (ICD), was admitted to our centre for congestive heart failure (CHF). Echocardiography showed massive TR, severe right heart dilatation, increased systolic pulmonary artery pressure, severely dilated inferior vena cava (IVC) and hepatic veins with systolic flow reversal. We also found an uncommonly high blood flow coming to the right atrium from the IVC, due to an anomalous vascular communication between an intrahepatic portal branch and a hepatic vein, a so–called intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt (IPSVS). Although these relatively rare shunts are usually not treated unless symptomatic, after a collective careful evaluation, we decided to proceed to the embolization of the IPSVS with a vascular plug, to make the t–TEER less challenging, safer and more durable. In better general conditions, after 2 months, the patient underwent the transcatheter tricuspid procedure with a single XTW TriClip™ (Abbott). At 3 months follow–up, the patient showed noticeable improvements in QoL, CHF signs and symptoms, echocardiographic parameters and exercise capacity. Discussion Appropriate timing of t–TEER is crucial not only to avoid irreversible RV damage and organ failure, but also to increase the success rate of the procedures. In this case we observed that the IPSVS treatment contributed significatively to improve the patient’s clinical status and to reduce the right heart volume overload before attempting the t–TEER. This combined approach facilitated the technical success of tricuspid procedure, that was itself challenging due to the ICD leads in the right chambers. Conclusion Patients’ selection and timing of percutaneous TR treatment are not clearly defined. This case shows that a winning strategy to approach challenging TR is to solve, before the tricuspid treatment, all the potentially treatable comorbidities that could negatively interfere with the technical success of the procedure itself and with the durability of TR reduction.

Percutaneous Tricuspid Valve Repair: The Triclip.

Tricuspid regurgitation is an often overlooked, but severe cardiac valvular disease associated with significant morbidity and poor quality of life. Tricuspid valve surgery is the only treatment that prevents progression of the disease but is often complicated or made impossible by perioperative risk factors. Due to the high-risk nature, tricuspid valve surgery is typically only done for severe tricuspid regurgitation at the time of left heart surgery, leaving many patients untreated. Medical therapy is limited primarily to diuretic agents, which are often unsuccessful in alleviating symptoms. Treatment of tricuspid regurgitation with transcatheter edge-to-edge repair has emerged after the success of this technique in mitral valve pathologies. This percutaneous procedure parallels surgical principles previously used for valve repair but eliminates the need for cardiac surgery, thus having the potential to serve as an alternative treatment in high-risk patients. The TriClip (Abbott Labs) device is an example of this therapy and the subject of this review.

Outcomes of Transcatheter Tricuspid Edge-to-Edge Repair in Patients With Right Ventricular Dysfunction.

We assessed the safety profile of tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) in patients with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. We identified patients undergoing TEER to treat tricuspid regurgitation from June 2015 to October 2021 and assessed tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and RV fractional area change (RVFAC). RV dysfunction was defined as TAPSE <17 mm and RVFAC <35%. The primary end point was 30-day mortality after TEER. We also investigated the change in the RV function in the early phase and clinical outcomes at 2 years. The study participants (n=262) were at high surgical risk (EuroSCORE II, 6.2% [interquartile range, 4.0%-10.3%]). Among them, 44 patients met the criteria of RV dysfunction. Thirty-day mortality was 3.2% in patients with normal RV function and 2.3% in patients with RV dysfunction (P=0.99). Tricuspid regurgitation reduction to ≤2+ was consistently achieved irrespective of RV dysfunction (76.5% versus 70.5%; P=0.44). TAPSE and RVFAC declined after TEER in patients with normal RV function (TAPSE, 19.0±4.7 to 17.9±4.5 mm; P=0.001; RVFAC, 46.2%±8.1% to 40.3%±9.7%; P<0.001). In contrast, those parameters were unchanged or tended to increase in patients with RV dysfunction (TAPSE, 13.2±2.3 to 15.3±4.7 mm; P=0.011; RVFAC, 29.6%±4.1% to 31.6%±8.3%; P=0.14). Two years after TEER, compared with patients with normal RV function, patients with RV dysfunction had significantly higher mortality (27.0% versus 56.3%; P<0.001). TEER was safe and feasible to treat tricuspid regurgitation in patients with RV dysfunction. The decline in the RV function was observed in patients with normal RV function but not in patients with RV dysfunction.

Development of Heart Simulator and Analysis of Valve Dysfunction in Tricuspid Regurgitation

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) resulting from valve abnormalities necessitates precise diagnostic tools and interventions. We employed a simulated heart movement device to examine the performance of heart valve functions and analyzed internal pressure changes to provide a quantitative guide for TR treatment. We developed a simulator capable of replicating the flow profile, mimicking natural heart movements, with sensors installed for measuring internal pressure changes. We conducted an ex vivo experiment on a porcine heart to assess tricuspid valve functionality. An endoscope was installed, with a sensor and endoscopic images to detect abnormalities. TR became evident when the heart rate spectrum exceeded an average of 85.2 bpm (standard deviation, 1.3 bpm) and showed an amplitude higher than an average of 12.3 mmHg (standard deviation, 3.2 mmHg). This critical threshold consistently indicated TR onset. The application of the Pivot-TR attenuated this specific spectral area. We confirmed TR disappearance by reducing the intensity of the Tricuspid Regurgitation Generator or employing the Pivot-TR. The Pivot-TR’s ability to attenuate specific spectral areas associated with TR onset and its effectiveness in restoring normal heart functionality has implications for managing and treating TR, particularly that resulting from age-related structural changes in the heart.

Early and mid-term outcomes of tricuspid valve surgery in patients with functional tricuspid regurgitation induced by atrial fibrillation.

The strategy of treatment for tricuspid regurgitation (TR) induced by atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of surgical treatment for TR induced by AF. From 2000 to 2021, a total of 1,301 patients underwent tricuspid valve (TV) surgery. Among them 43 patients who diagnosed as AF induced TR were enrolled. The tricuspid valve-related events (TVRE) included cardiac death, TV reoperation, development of moderate or greater TV disease, congestive heart failure requiring re-admission, and major bleeding or thrombosis. The median follow-up duration was 42.0 months. The interval from diagnosis of AF to more than moderate TR was 61.2 months, and the interval from initial diagnosis of severe TR to surgery was 2.4 months. Concomitant Cox-maze III procedure was performed in 39 patients. The operative mortality occurred in 1 patient, and there was no permanent pacemaker implantation. Overall survival rates at 1- and 5-year were 90.6% and 79.3%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of TVRE at 1- and 5-year were 16.3% and 26.5%, respectively. The cumulative incidences of AF recurrence at 1- and 3-year in the patients with surgical ablation were 29.7% and 67.6%. The TVRE was significantly associated with the longer interval from diagnosis of severe TR to surgery (hazard ratio: 1.023, 95% confidence interval: 1.005-1.042). TV surgery for TR induced by AF showed low surgical mortality and favorable mid-term outcomes. For these patients, early surgery after progress to severe TR can be helpful to decrease the occurrence of TVRE.

Contemporary evaluation and treatment of tricuspid regurgitation.

Valvular heart disease is a global health burden with substantial mortality. The left-sided valvular diseases have been extensively described using the robust treatment strategies available. By contrast, the right-sided diseases, particularly the tricuspid valve (TV) and associated regurgitation, still have much to be delineated. Worsening tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with increased mortality; the non-invasive management is suboptimal; and surgical approaches carry significant risk. With advances in multimodality imaging, 3D echocardiography, improved understanding of TV anatomy, and pathophysiological mechanisms of primary and secondary regurgitation, as well as favorable data with transcatheter therapies, the field of TV management is rapidly evolving. This review aims to highlight pathophysiological mechanisms of TR, describe echocardiographic approaches to diagnosis and TV interrogation, and outline the latest transcatheter developments.

Effects of tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair on tricuspid annulus diameter - Data from the TriValve registry

AimsT-TEER is an effective therapy for the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). However, the effects of leaflets clipping on tricuspid valve annulus (TA) have not been investigated in detail.The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) on TA diameter. Methods and resultsThe TriValve registry (Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Therapies, NCT03416166) collected 556 patients from 22 European and North American centres undergoing transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions from 2016 to 2022. Patients undergoing T-TEER with available pre- and post-procedural data on TA diameter measured in the apical 4-chamber view on transthoracic echocardiography were selected for this study. Primary end-point was the reduction of TA diameter after T-TEER.A total of 186 patients were included in the study. In 115 patients (62%) TA diameter was reduced by at least 1 mm as compared to baseline. A significant reduction of TA dimension was observed following T-TEER (mean 2.3 mm [from pre-procedural diameter 46.7 mm to post-procedural diameter 44.4 mm], p < 0.001). In particular, the greatest reduction was observed in those with T-TEER in antero-septal commissure (mean 2.7 mm [from 47.1 mm to 44.4 mm], p < 0.001) as compared to those combining both antero-septal and postero-septal commissures (mean 1.4, from 46.0 mm to 44.6 mm, P = 0.06). A significant reduction of TA dimension was recorded in patients with 1 or 2 clips implanted but not in those patients with ≥3 clips implanted. ConclusionsIn almost two third of patients T-TEER reduces TA diameter in addition to leaflet approximation. Condensed abstractThe effects of tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) on tricuspid valve annulus (TA) have not been studied in details. This study investigates TA diameter as measured in apical 4-chamber view on transthoracic echocardiography before and after T-TEER.A total of 186 patients from the TriValve registry were included in the study. The study results show that 62% of patients have a TA reduction after T-TEER, especially in those receiving 1 or 2 clips in the antero-septal commissure. These suggest that T-TEER reduces tricuspid regurgitation not only by approximation of leaflets, but also by TA diameter reduction.

Most hospitalized patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation have advanced disease preventing transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention

BackgroundMore than moderate tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with high mortality. Surgical tricuspid valve repair and replacements are rarely performed due to high operative mortality risk, mainly attributed to late presentation. Novel transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention (TTVI) devices are being developed as an alternative to surgery. The population of patients presenting to tertiary care centers who can benefit from TTVI has not been well defined. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 12,677 consecutive 2D echocardiograms completed at our tertiary care center between March 2021 and March 2022 and identified hospitalized patients with more than moderate TR. A total of 569 patients were included in this study. Clinical and echocardiographic data were collected by individual chart review. We used the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines on the management of valvular disease to retrospectively assign patients to medical, surgical, or transcatheter therapy. Results458 patients (80.5 %) were assigned to medical therapy, 57 (10.0 %) were assigned to TTVI, and 54 (9.5 %) were assigned to tricuspid valve surgery. Of note, 75.7 % (431/569) of patients were precluded from any intervention due to advanced disease, and only 4.7 % (27/569) presented too early for intervention, being both asymptomatic and without RV dilatation. ConclusionOnly 10.0 % of patients presenting to a tertiary care center with significant TR would be candidates for TTVI when these technologies are approved in the United States. Earlier identification and treatment of TR could increase the number of patients who may benefit from interventions including TTVI.

Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Intervention for the Treatment of Tricuspid Regurgitation with TriClip: All You Need to Know.

Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a common pathology in the daily practice of a cardiologist. This disease entity is associated with significant morbidity and mortality if left untreated. Classically, surgical repair or replacement were the only therapeutic options present and were often not performed due to high postprocedural mortality. Transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention has emerged as a novel and effective therapeutic option for the treatment of significant TR. Several devices have been developed with different mechanisms of action. In this review, we will provide an overview of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair of TR using the TriClip device (Abbott, Santa Clara, CA, USA).

Epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of chronic right-sided heart failure and tricuspid regurgitation. A clinical consensus statement of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) and the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) of the ESC.

Right-sided heart failure and tricuspid regurgitation are common and strongly associated with poor quality of life and an increased risk of heart failure hospitalizations and death. While medical therapy for right-sided heart failure is limited, treatment options for tricuspid regurgitation include surgery and, based on recent developments, several transcatheter interventions. However, the patients who might benefit from tricuspid valve interventions are yet unknown, as is the ideal time for these treatments given the paucity of clinical evidence. In this context, it is crucial to elucidate aetiology and pathophysiological mechanisms leading to right-sided heart failure and tricuspid regurgitation in order to recognize when tricuspid regurgitation is a mere bystander and when it can cause or contribute to heart failure progression. Notably, early identification of right heart failure and tricuspid regurgitation may be crucial and optimal management requires knowledge about the different mechanisms and causes, clinical course and presentation, as well as possible treatment options. The aim of this clinical consensus statement is to summarize current knowledge about epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment of tricuspid regurgitation in right-sided heart failure providing practical suggestions for patient identification and management.

Step-by-step transesophageal echocardiographic guidance for transjugular transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement with a radial force-independent bioprosthesis.

The prohibitive risk of isolated tricuspid valve (TV) surgery encouraged rapid development of a transcatheter solution for tricuspid regurgitation (TR). The favorable results of these devices informed recent guidelines to recommend considering transcatheter treatment of symptomatic secondary severe TR in inoperable patients. Transcatheter TV repair systems usually reduce TR through leaflet approximation and direct annuloplasty. Orthotopic transcatheter TV replacement (TTVR) devices generally rely on radial force and tricuspid leaflet engagement for implantation and stability. The LuX-Valve is a novel radial force-independent orthotopic TTVR device that is operated through the trans-atrial approach. Its radial force-independency is achieved through an interventricular septal anchor tab (septal insertion) and two leaflet graspers (leaflet engagement). Such a unique design makes the intraprocedural imaging different from that of other currently available TTVR systems. The latest generation of this device, the LuX-Valve Plus, comes with a newly designed delivery system through the transjugular approach, which makes the intraprocedural monitoring and adjustment of the device even more complex for successful implantation. However, its unique imaging needs for intra-procedural guidance and post-operative evaluation have not been described before. Therefore, we aimed to elaborate the key steps of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to guide this novel procedure. Herein, the primary 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) echocardiographic work planes are proposed and the critical steps are emphasized for better communication between imagers and interventionists. The suitability of 2D and 3D echocardiography to guide this procedure is also discussed to increase the flexibility of choice during the implantation.

The Evolving Role of Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Edge-to-Edge Repair in Tricuspid Regurgitation

Growing evidence indicates that severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is independently associated with adverse clinical outcomes. The prognostic benefit of isolated TR surgery remains unclear, and medical therapy for decompensated right heart failure alone cannot delay disease progression. TR assessment and management have substantially evolved in recent years. Currently, minimally invasive catheter-based techniques have emerged as a feasible and effective option for TR treatment in high-risk surgical patients. Transcatheter tricuspid valve edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) has been proposed and applied as an interventional treatment for TR, and has yielded promising preliminary results. This review provides an overview of the current state of T-TEER.

Unveiling Sex Differences in Tricuspid Valve Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Surgical Management.

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a heart condition where blood flows backward through the tricuspid valve. Tricuspid valve disease constitutes a major valvular heart condition that is receiving heightened attention due to tailored treatment options and sex-specific differences in treatment outcomes. The study aims to investigate whether biological sex has a significant influence on the development, progression, and treatment outcomes of tricuspid valve disease in adults. We conducted a comprehensive search to identify studies examining the impact of sex on the pathophysiology of TR as well as treatment outcomes in patients with TR. We searched PUBMED/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE) from inception to September 2023 to identify relevant studies. Twelve studies totaling 22,574 patients met our eligibility criteria. These studies were categorized into three subgroups: patients with TR without intervention (3,848 patients, with 48.1% males and 51.9% females), those who underwent open heart surgery (17,498 patients: 46.2% males and 53.8% females), and those who underwent transcatheter tricuspid valve repair/replacement (TTVR; 1,687 patients: 41.6% males and 58.4% females). Analysis revealed no major differences in terms of TR etiology. Males tended to have a slightly lower mean age difference (mean difference (MD): -0.60 years; 95% confidence interval (CI) (-1.49, -0.04); p = 0.10) but had more frequent chronic lung disease (risk ratio (RR): 1.12, 95% CI (1.01, 1.25), p = 0.03). Males showed higher baseline TR volume (MD: 4.11, 95% CI (0.53, 7.68), p = 0.02) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (MD: -5.85, 95% CI (-6.97, -4.73), p < 0.00001). Following open heart surgery for TR treatment, males required more frequent permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM; RR: 1.57, 95% CI (1.21, 2.03), p = 0.0006). Similarly, TTVR showed a higher need for PPM in males (RR: 1.45, 95% CI (1.10, 1.93), p = 0.010). In-hospital mortality exhibited no sex differences, but males had a slightly elevated late mortality risk. Sex differences in TR patients were notable in baseline characteristics, with males having a higher risk of certain conditions. The more frequent requirement for PPM was a major sex-based difference in terms of prognosis.

Characterization of Tricuspid Valve Anatomy and Coaptation Gap in Subjects Receiving Tricuspid Transcatheter Edge-To-Edge Repair: Observations From the bRIGHT TriClip Study

Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) for the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) has experienced fast adoption following commercial approval. Defining the appropriate target population for TEER therapy is important to guide patient selection. The aim of this study was to characterize tricuspid valve anatomy and coaptation gap in subjects receiving TEER for the treatment of TR in a contemporary postmarket setting. The bRIGHT study is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, postmarket study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the TriClip device. Procedural outcomes included implant success, acute procedural success, TR severity, major adverse events, single-leaflet device attachment, and embolization through 30 postprocedure days. Tricuspid valve characteristics, including morphology, annulus size, and leaflet mobility, were assessed via two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography from the screening visit by an independent echo core lab to characterize subject variability. Coaptation gap measurements were taken in both the transgastric short-axis (TG SAX) and RV inflow/outflow views. The independent echo core lab performed a detailed assessment of the tricuspid valve on 135 consecutive subjects with available TG SAX views from 24 sites. Tricuspid valve morphologies included 2 to 5 leaflets, with a non-trileaflet valve in 28% of subjects and ≥4 leaflets in 21% of subjects. The etiology of TR was functional in 91% (96/105), mixed in 7% (7/105), and lead induced in 2% (2/105) of subjects. Leaflet mobility was mildly restricted in 69% (78/113) and moderately restricted in 7% (8/113) of subjects. Annulus diameter averaged 4.7±0.7cm with a range of 2.5 to 6.2cm. From the TG SAX view, the coaptation gap measured 8.1±3.1 and 5.2±2.3mm in the central and mid regions of the anterior-septal coaptation line and 6.6±3.2 and 3.8±2.1mm in the central and mid regions of the septal-posterior coaptation line, respectively. From the right ventricular inflow/outflow view, the coaptation gap measured 4.7±2.4, 5.2±2.4, and 4.6±3.0mm in the anterior, mid, and posterior regions of the tricuspid valve, respectively. Thirty-day TR reduction (by number of grades) was similar among subjects with coaptation gaps of <7mm, 7 to 10mm, and >10mm. A broad range of anatomies was observed in this postmarket population. Characterization of the tricuspid valve and coaptation gap will help to better understand and better define the target patient population for tricuspid TEER therapy.

A Novel Transcatheter Device for the Edge-to-Edge Treatment of Tricuspid Regurgitation: A Preliminary Evaluation

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is the most common pathology of the tricuspid valve (TV), with significant mortality in severe cases. A well-established strategy to treat TR is represented by the clover surgical technique, which consists of stitching together the free edges of TV leaflets, producing a clover-shaped valvular orifice. Transcatheter treatments for TR constitute a valuable alternative for high-risk patients. In this work we investigated haemodynamic performances and safety of a novel device (StarTric device (STD)) aiming to perform the clover technique via percutaneous access. To assess haemodynamic performances, STD and clover were applied on porcine pathological TVs and tested. Fluid dynamic indexes of both strategies were compared to the pathological model. To evaluate device safety, forces exchanged between device and leaflets were compared to the extraction force (EF) required to STD to completely pass through the leaflet. Clover technique and STD induced a comparable TV backflow reduction (48% and 47%, respectively), with associated increase of TV flow in all tested conditions. Diastolic transvalvular pressure similarly increased indicating a reduction, though not significant, of the valvular orifice. Forces ranged from 1N to 1.71N, compared to an EF of 22.16 ± 8.6N. Force varied significantly amongst different working conditions (normotensive, mild, and severe hypertensive) for each leaflet, whilst no significative variation was found on different leaflets in the same working condition. In the adopted experimental scenario, STD demonstrated comparable efficacy to the surgical strategy in restoring TV haemodynamic. The forces acting on the leaflets following STD implantation were far lower when compared to EFs.

Abstract 19004: Clinical Outcomes Following Treatment for Tricuspid Regurgitation: Repair vs. Replacement

Background: Tricuspid regurgitation (TR). previously regarded as the ‘forgotten valvular disease’, has gained a lot interest lately due to its deleterious effects on the right ventricle and long-term outcomes. Surgical literature on outcomes after isolated tricuspid surgery is limited. Although, the guidelines recommend repair of the tricuspid valve, few studies compare outcomes of replacement with repair. Research Question and Aims: Whether, tricuspid repair or replacement is the optimal therapy for TR is not fully understood. Therefore, we sought to compare outcomes and survival after the two techniques. Methods: Our institutional STS database was queried to identify patients who underwent surgery for TR from 2017-2022. Of the 200 patients identified, 84 were excluded due to major concomitant procedures. After exclusion, 70 patients underwent tricuspid replacement and 46 underwent repair. Pre-, intra- and post-operative characteristics were tabulated and compared using t-tests and fisher’s exact test. 5-year survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: Tricuspid repair was notably done in a significantly older patient population compared to replacement (p=0.005) likely due to presence of more endocarditis in the younger population who underwent replacement (Figure 1). Tricuspid repair was associated with a significantly longer cross-clamp time. Post-operative complications including pacemaker implantation rates were not significantly different between the groups. 30-day and 5-year mortality rate was also not found to be significantly different between the two interventions. From the limited mid-term echo follow up, TAPSE reduced to 1.5 from 2.1 in the repair group (p=0.01). Conclusions: Younger patients with endocarditis underwent more replacements than repairs. 30-day outcomes and 5-year survival were not significantly different in the two groups however, RV function seemed to worsen in patients who underwent TV repair.

Tricuspid edge-to-edge repair for tricuspid valve prolapse and flail leaflet: feasibility in comparison to patients with secondary tricuspid regurgitation.

Transcatheter tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) has gained widespread use for the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in symptomatic patients with high operative risk. Although secondary TR is the most common pathology, some patients exhibit primary or predominantly primary TR. Characterization of patients with these pathologies in the T-TEER context has not been systematically performed. Patients assigned to T-TEER by the interdisciplinary heart team were consecutively recruited in two European centres over 4 years. Echocardiographic images were evaluated to distinguish between primary and secondary causes of TR. Both groups were compared concerning procedural results. A total of 339 patients were recruited, 13% with primary TR and 87% with secondary TR. Patients with primary TR had a smaller right ventricle (basal diameter 45 vs. 49 mm, P = 0.004), a better right ventricular function (fractional area change 45 vs. 41%, P = 0.001), a smaller right (28 vs. 34 cm2, P = 0.021) and left (52 vs. 67 mL/m2, P = 0.038) atrium, and a better left ventricular ejection fraction (60 vs. 52%, P = 0.005). The severity of TR was similar in primary and secondary TR at baseline (TR vena contracta width pre-interventional 13 ± 4 vs. 14 ± 5 mm, P = 0.19), and T-TEER significantly reduced TR in both groups (TR vena contracta width post-interventional 4 ± 3 vs. 5 ± 5 mm, P = 0.10). These findings remained stable after propensity score matching. Complications were similar between both groups. T-TEER confers equally safe and effective reduction of TR in patients with primary and secondary TR.

Tricuspid regurgitation, right ventricular function, and renal congestion: a cardiorenal triangle.

There is a growing interest in the evaluation of tricuspid regurgitation due to its increasing prevalence and detrimental impact on clinical outcomes. Historically, it has been coined the "forgotten" defect in the field of valvular heart disease due to the lack of effective treatments to improve prognosis. However, the development of percutaneous treatment techniques has led to a new era in its management, with promising results and diminished complication risk. In spite of these advances, a comprehensive exploration of the pathophysiological mechanisms is essential to establish clear indications and optimal timing for medical and percutaneous intervention. This review will address the most important aspects related to the diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment of tricuspid regurgitation from a cardiorenal perspective, with a special emphasis on the interaction between right ventricular dysfunction and the development of hepatorenal congestion.

Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Interventions: A Triumph for Transcatheter Procedures?

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a common valvular pathology, estimated to affect 1.6 million people in the United States alone. Even though guidelines recommend either medical therapy or surgical treatment for TR, the misconception of TR as a benign disease along with the high mortality rates of surgical intervention led to undertreating this disease and commonly describing it as a "forgotten" valve. Recently, the development of transcatheter interventions for TR show promising potential for use in the clinical setting. There are currently few approved and numerous tested percutaneously delivered devices, which can be categorized, based on their mechanism of action, to either valve repair or valve replacement procedures. Both procedures were tested in clinical trials and show an echocardiographic reduction in TR sustained for at least 1 year after the procedure, as well as symptom relief and functional improvement of the patients. Device selection should be personalized, taking into consideration the anatomy of each valve and the available options at each heart center. Moreover, appropriate patient selection and timing of the procedure are also crucial for the success of the procedure. In this review, we analyze the clinical trials available for all devices currently approved or tested, aiming to provide a comprehensive summary of the most recent evidence in the field of transcatheter TR interventions.