UC Davis Health’s cardiology team is at the forefront of treating patients with tricuspid regurgitation, a condition where the tricuspid valve fails to close completely. They are using a groundbreaking catheter known as the Abbott TriClip™ system to perform a minimally invasive procedure called transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER). This new system allows for meaningful improvement in quality of life without the high procedural risk often associated with tricuspid surgery. UC Davis Medical Center was one of the first sites to have commercial access to TriClip and is the first hospital in the Western United States to utilize the system since its FDA approval.
Tricuspid regurgitation affects approximately 1.6 million Americans and can lead to symptoms such as active pulsing in the neck veins, enlarged liver, fatigue, and swelling throughout the body. If left untreated, it can result in serious conditions such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, kidney disease, and death. Historically, patients with tricuspid regurgitation have been high risk for surgical interventions, but the new transcatheter edge-to-edge repair procedure offers a less risky alternative for treatment.
The Tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair procedure involves delivering the device to the heart through a catheter, guided by X-ray and ultrasound. Once in place, the clip brings together portions of the leaflets of the tricuspid valve, improving the seal and reducing the leaking. This minimally invasive approach allows the heart to pump blood more efficiently and alleviate symptoms of tricuspid regurgitation. UC Davis Health has been a leader in transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for nearly two decades, offering several minimally invasive catheter-based mitral valve procedures in addition to the tricuspid valve repair.
The Abbott TriClip™ system was tested for safety and clinical efficacy as part of the TRILUMINATE Pivotal trial. UC Davis Health participated in the national trial, with one of the highest enrollment rates. The successful completion of the trial led to the FDA approval of the system. Dr. Jason H. Rogers, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at UC Davis Health, has been performing the tricuspid TEER procedures and will continue to do so in the future.
UC Davis Health’s Structural Heart Team is among the best and most comprehensive in the nation, providing complete, efficient, and high-quality care to their patients. The team’s mission is to lead the field in offering innovative treatments like Tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair. The success of this new procedure at UC Davis Medical Center highlights the outstanding team-based approach to patient care at the hospital, and the commitment to improving the lives of individuals with tricuspid regurgitation.
