Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement
Advanced heart valve care, close to home
Saint Agnes is the first hospital in the Central Valley to perform transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR), a minimally invasive treatment for select patients with a severely leaking tricuspid valve.
Offered through our Structural Heart and Valve Program, TTVR gives patients another option for heart valve treatment without open-heart surgery. Our team brings together interventional cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons and other heart care specialists to help determine the right treatment for each patient.
What is tricuspid regurgitation?
The tricuspid valve controls blood flow between the upper and lower chambers on the right side of your heart. When this valve does not close properly, blood can flow backward. This condition is called tricuspid regurgitation.
A severe leak can cause shortness of breath, fatigue and swelling in the legs or abdomen. These symptoms may make walking, exercising and other everyday activities more difficult.
How does TTVR work?
During TTVR, your doctor guides a thin, flexible tube called a catheter through a small access point in a vein in the groin to reach your heart. A replacement valve travels through the catheter and is placed inside your existing tricuspid valve.
The new valve takes over the job of controlling blood flow, reducing leakage and helping blood move in the right direction. This approach allows your doctor to replace the valve without opening your chest.
Who is a candidate for TTVR?
TTVR may be an option for patients who have severe tricuspid regurgitation and continue to experience symptoms despite treatment with medication. It may be particularly helpful for patients who are not good candidates for open-heart surgery.
Our heart team will review your symptoms, medical history and heart imaging to determine whether TTVR is appropriate for you. Your heart’s structure, overall health and ability to take the medications needed after the procedure also help determine your eligibility.
Benefits of TTVR
For eligible patients, potential benefits include:
- Less valve leakage: helps reduce backward blood flow through the tricuspid valve
- Symptom relief: may improve shortness of breath and fatigue
- Improved quality of life: may make everyday activities easier and more comfortable
- A minimally-invasive approach: avoids opening the chest and may allow a shorter recovery than traditional open-heart surgery
What can I expect before and after TTVR?
Before your procedure, your heart team will explain what to expect and discuss the potential benefits and risks. Risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots and the possible need for a pacemaker.
After TTVR, you will stay in the hospital while your care team monitors your recovery. Your hospital stay and return to normal activities will depend on your health and progress.
Before you go home, your care team will provide instructions about medications, activity and follow-up appointments to monitor your new valve.