Cardiac specialists at Allegheny General Hospital, part of Allegheny Health Network (AHN), have performed the region’s first successful transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR). This minimally invasive procedure is designed to treat tricuspid valve regurgitation, a heart condition that affects blood flow between the right chambers of the heart.
The surgical team included interventional cardiologist David Lasorda, DO; cardiac surgeon Walter McGregor, MD; and imaging cardiologist Georgios Lygouris, MD. They used the EVOQUE Tricuspid Valve Replacement System from Edwards Life Sciences, which recently received FDA approval.
Tricuspid valve regurgitation occurs when the valve does not close properly. This allows blood to leak backward into the upper right chamber instead of moving toward the lungs for oxygenation. The resulting strain on the heart can cause symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling, and irregular rhythms.
“Historically, patients with tricuspid valvular disease have faced limited therapeutic options beyond pharmacological interventions and general symptom management,” said Dr. McGregor. “We are exceptionally proud to be pioneering advanced surgical approaches, such as the transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement procedure, which offers superior clinical benefits and significant symptomatic relief for those diagnosed with this complex condition.”
During TTVR procedures, a catheter is inserted through a vein in the groin and guided to the heart. The artificial valve is anchored within the diseased tricuspid valve and expands to restore proper function. According to Dr. McGregor, most patients leave the hospital within two days after surgery.
A clinical trial published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2024.10.067) found that among 400 patients studied for tricuspid regurgitation—392 treated with TTVR and others receiving medical therapy alone—those who underwent TTVR experienced greater improvements in quality of life and symptoms at intervals up to one year after treatment.
“We’re extremely pleased to be the first medical center in the region to offer this highly advanced, minimally invasive treatment option, which has proven to yield positive health outcomes and ultimately improve the quality of life for this patient population,” said Stephen Bailey, MD, Chair of AHN Cardiovascular Institute and cardiothoracic surgeon. “This is yet another cutting-edge advancement offered by AHN for patients diagnosed with this complex form of heart disease.”
Previously in October 2024, AGH became Pennsylvania’s first academic medical center to implant a TriClip device for repairing leaky tricuspid valves—a different approach also aimed at reducing symptoms from regurgitation.
Tricuspid regurgitation affects approximately 1.6 million Americans nationwide as well as many residents in Western Pennsylvania.
For appointments with AHN Cardiovascular Institute specialists or more information about these treatments, individuals can call 412-DOCTORS or visit ahn.org.
