Understanding and replacing your leaky heart valve
Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR) happens when the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart does not close properly. When the valve does not fully close, blood flows backward from the lower chamber (ventricle) into the upper chamber (atrium) making your heart work harder to move blood through the valve.
TR worsens with time. It often does not show signs or symptoms until the disease is severe. With TR, you may have shortness of breath or feel weak. It may also cause abnormal heart beats or swelling in your abdomen, ankles, veins in your neck or feet. These symptoms can seriously affect your quality of life.
The tricuspid valve does not close properly due to an issue with the valve’s leaflets or an enlarged heart chamber. As a result, blood leaks backward into the right atrium (upper chamber) instead of moving forward into the right ventricle (lower chamber).
Clinical trial data showed patients who received an EVOQUE valve could experience health improvements within 30 days, including the ability to take care of themselves and participate in everyday activities.
By treating severe tricuspid regurgitation, you can potentially:
with improved ability to do physical activities
with a procedure that involves implanting a device through a small cut in your leg
with TR, you may have shortness of breath or feel weak.
If you have severe TR and continue to have heart failure symptoms on medical therapy, transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement may be an option for you. Only a specialized Heart Team can determine which treatment option is best for you.
There are a few different ways to treat TR:
Your doctor may prescribe certain medications to help some symptoms of the failure of your heart valve. However, it will not cure or fix the valve.
Open heart surgical valve repair or replacement* is where the doctor will open your chest and repair or replace the damaged valve. It is often in conjunction with another heart valve procedure.
*There are no surgical valve replacement devices approved by FDA for use in the tricuspid valve.
During a transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement procedure, the doctor replaces your old leaky tricuspid valve without open heart surgery, using a delivery catheter (a tube-like device) with an artificial valve attached to its tip.
Seeing a specialized doctor on a Heart Team will ensure you are evaluated for all treatment options. They will consider factors about your health to decide the most appropriate treatment option for you. Your doctor will consider these factors:
If you have severe TR and continue to have symptoms on medical therapy, transcatheter valve replacement may help your heart work better. Other potential benefits may include:
Talk to your doctor for a full explanation of the benefits and risks associated with this procedure
The Edwards EVOQUE tricuspid valve replacement system is a device designed to replace your tricuspid valve and help reduce or eliminate tricuspid regurgitation. The valve is put into place using a minimally invasive delivery system through a small puncture in your groin. On average, a TTVR procedure with the EVOQUE system lasts about 2 hours.
EVOQUE valve
EVOQUE valve
As with any medical procedure, there is a possibility of risks. The Edwards TTVR procedure’s most serious risks are:
Transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement involves implanting a device through a small cut in your leg. The device is used to replace your leaky heart valve.
On average, a transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement procedure with the EVOQUE system lasts about 2 hours.
Read an overview of severe TR and the treatment process.
The EVOQUE tricuspid valve replacement system (the EVOQUE system) is approved for treating patients with symptomatic severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) for the improvement of health status. TR is a condition in which the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart doesn't close properly. When the valve does not fully close, blood flows backward from the lower chamber (ventricle) into the upper chamber (atrium) making the patient's heart work harder to move blood through the valve. Patients should work with their doctor and a specialized Heart Team to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for the EVOQUE valve.
The EVOQUE system should not be used in patients who:
If used in the patients mentioned above, it will not work properly and could make you feel sick or even cause death.
How long your tissue valve will last depend on many patient factors and medical conditions. Follow all care instructions to ensure the best possible results. The Edwards EVOQUE valves have been tested in a laboratory to mimic 5 years of use without failure. Regular follow-ups will help your doctor know how your EVOQUE valve is working.
The safety and effectiveness of the transcatheter heart valve is not known for patients:
Precautions Prior to Use
Seeing a specialized doctor on a Heart Team will ensure you are evaluated for all treatment options. They will consider factors about your health to decide the most appropriate treatment option for you.
Your doctor will consider these factors:
As with any medical procedure, there is a possibility of risks.
The most serious risks associated with the procedure are:
Additional potential risks include:
CAUTION: Federal (United States) law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician.