WVU Heart and Vascular Institute physicians first in state, region to perform transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Physicians at the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute (HVI) are the first in the state and region to perform transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR). 

The tricuspid valve provides one way inflow from the right atrium to the right ventricle on the right side of the heart. When the tricuspid valve begins to leak, blood goes backwards into the right atrium and then to the upper neck veins, as well as into the lower veins that drain the liver and abdomen. In addition to suffering shortness of breath, patients often present with bulging neck veins as well as swelling of the abdomen and lower legs. 

Patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation or leakage who are deemed too high risk for surgical repair or replacement have historically chronically suffered with little option other than medical therapy, which treats the symptoms but not the tricuspid valve regurgitation itself. 

TTVR is a recently approved option to treat these patients.  

HVI physicians Ramesh Daggubati, M.D., chief of Interventional Cardiology, and Vinay Badhwar, M.D., chair of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery and HVI executive chair, implanted the EVOQUE Tricuspid Valve Replacement System in three patients facilitated by imaging assistance from Daniel Brito Guzman, M.D., cardiologist, on Feb. 18.  

The EVOQUE valve from Edwards Lifesciences is the latest FDA-approved artificial heart valve that can be used to replace a patient’s tricuspid valve. The valve frame is made of nitinol (nickel titanium), a flexible metal material that allows the valve frame to expand and fit safely within the heart. The leaflets in the valve are made from cow heart tissue. To place the valve, doctors make a small puncture in the groin to access the vein and insert a delivery system to reach the heart. The valve is deployed and replaces the original tricuspid valve to restore proper function.  

Clinical trial data showed patients who received an EVOQUE valve could experience health improvements within 30 days, including the ability to take care of themselves and participate in everyday activities.   

All three HVI patients tolerated the procedure very well with elimination of their tricuspid regurgitation.  

“This new therapy marks another HVI first for the state and the region,” Dr. Badhwar said. “But, most importantly, it marks the beginning of a new era of hope for patients suffering from debilitating tricuspid regurgitation and heart failure.” 

For more information on the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, visit WVUMedicine.org/Heart.