Transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement for functional tricuspid regurgitation after left‐sided valve surgery: A single‐center experience

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundFunctional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) following left‐sided valve surgery (LSVS) is of clinical significance due to its high recurrence and mortality rates. Transcatheter therapy presents a potential solution to address this issue.AimsThe study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement using the Lux‐Valve system in a single center for patients with FTR after LSVS.MethodsFrom June 2020 to April 2023, 20 patients with symptomatic severe FTR after LSVS were referred to our center. A multidisciplinary cardiac team evaluated these patients for suitability for transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement with Lux‐Valve systems. Primary efficacy and safety endpoints were immediate postoperative tricuspid regurgitation severity ≤ moderate and major adverse events during follow‐up.ResultsTwenty patients (average age 65.7 ± 7.4 years; 65.0% women) successfully underwent Lux‐Valve system implantation after LSVS. All patients achieved ≤ moderate tricuspid regurgitation immediately after the procedure. Only one patient (5.0%) experienced a procedure‐related major adverse event, leading to in‐hospital mortality due to pulmonary infection. At the 6‐month follow‐up, 17 patients (89.5%) improved to New York Heart Association functional class I to II (p < 0.001). The overall Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score significantly improved (35.9 ± 6.7 points to 58.9 ± 5.8 points, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe Lux‐Valve system was found to be safe and effective for treating FTR after LSVS. It resulted in positive early outcomes, including a significant reduction in FTR, improved functional status, and enhanced quality of life, especially in high‐risk patients.