Percutaneous Tricuspid Valve Edge-to-Edge Repair is an innovative minimally invasive treatment for patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation, a condition where the tricuspid valve leaks and allows blood to flow backwards within the right side of the heart.
Historically, treatment options for tricuspid valve disease were limited, particularly for patients considered high risk for surgery. Advances in transcatheter technology now provide new treatment opportunities for suitable patients.
Understanding Tricuspid Regurgitation
The tricuspid valve controls blood flow between the right atrium and right ventricle.
When the valve does not close effectively, blood leaks backwards, which can result in symptoms such as:
- Breathlessness
- Fatigue
- Swelling of the legs and ankles
- Fluid retention
- Reduced exercise capacity
Over time, untreated tricuspid regurgitation can affect heart function and overall wellbeing.
HOW DOES THE tTEER PROCEDURE WORK?
Using a catheter-based approach, a repair device is guided to the tricuspid valve through a vein, usually accessed from the groin.
The device, which is nearly always a special clip, is carefully positioned to bring sections of the valve leaflets together, reducing leakage and improving valve function. This procedure is called transcather Tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (tTEER). Our current cardiology consultants that do tTEER are Professor Michael Mahmoudi and Dr James Wilkinson. These procedures are complex and always need two consultant cardiologists (usually Professor Michael Mahmoudi and Dr James Wilkinson), as well as a consultant to do a TOE study (Dr Paul Diprose) and a consultant anaesthetist. There may be alternative treatments in the future to treat the Tricuspid valve but these are not yet fully developed or available in clinical practice in the UK.
The procedure is performed using sophisticated imaging technologies that allow precise positioning and assessment throughout treatment.
Benefits of Treatment
- Minimally invasive alternative to surgery
- Reduced valve leakage
- Improvement in symptoms and daily activities
- Shorter recovery times
- Potential improvement in quality of life
Patient Assessment
Comprehensive cardiac imaging and specialist consultation are required to determine whether transcatheter tricuspid valve repair is the most appropriate treatment option.
Follow-Up Care
Patients continue to be monitored following treatment to assess symptom improvement, valve performance and overall heart function.
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Please note that with increased demand, and long NHS waits, our services and office are under more demand than ever. As a result our staff are exceptionally busy and often working under great pressure.