Isolated tricuspid valve surgery: first outcomes report according to a novel clinical and functional staging of tricuspid regurgitation

An Animal Model of Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation by Leaflet Tethering Using Image-Guided Chordal Encircling Snares

Several interventional therapies are in development to treat functional tricuspid regurgitation. Most have failed to achieve adequate efficacy, as animal models of this lesion are lacking. We developed a new image-guided technique in swine, by tethering the tricuspid valve chordae using echo-guided chordal encircling snares. Five swine underwent baseline echocardiographic assessment of tricuspid valve function, followed by echo-guided placement of snares that encircle the chordae inserting into the anterior and posterior tricuspid valve leaflets. Tethering these snares and stabilizing them on the right ventricle caused the regurgitant fraction to increase from 8.48±5.38% to 48.76±12.5%, and the valve tenting area to increase from 60.26±52.19 to 160.9±86.92 mm2. Image-guided chordal encircling snares could reproducibly induce clinically significant levels of functional tricuspid regurgitation and create a valve geometry like that seen in patients, providing a new animal model for use to study novel interventional devices.

Transcatheter treatment of the tricuspid valve: current status and perspectives

Transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions (TTVI) are emerging as alternatives to surgery in high-risk patients with isolated or concomitant tricuspid regurgitation. The development of new minimally invasive solutions potentially more adapted to this largely undertreated population of patients, has fuelled the interest for the tricuspid valve. Growing evidence and new concepts have contributed to revise obsolete and misleading perceptions around the right side of the heart. New definitions, classifications, and a better understanding of the disease pathophysiology and phenotypes, as well as their associated patient journeys have profoundly and durably changed the landscape of tricuspid disease. A number of registries and a recent randomized controlled pivotal trial provide preliminary guidance for decision-making. TTVI seem to be very safe and effective in selected patients, although clinical benefits beyond improved quality of life remain to be demonstrated. Even if more efforts are needed, increased disease awareness is gaining momentum in the community and supports the establishment of dedicated expert valve centres. This review is summarizing the achievements in the field and provides perspectives for a less invasive management of a no-more-forgotten disease.

Investigating the unmet need for the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation

INTRODUCTION

Tricuspid regurgitation has been increasingly recognized as a clinically relevant entity with long-term prognostic impact on quality of life and survival. Despite this, there are still some unmet clinical needs regarding the management of tricuspid regurgitation that require further investigation.

AREAS COVERED

This review addresses current evidence for the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation, focusing primarily on new catheter-based technologies. In addition, we discuss recent registries and clinical trial results.

EXPERT OPINION

A multimodality and multiparametric integrative approach has been preconized to assess tricuspid regurgitation mechanism and severity, and new technologies have been developed to address the main causative factors of tricuspid regurgitation. Matching the right device to the right patient and deciding when is the best time for intervention are major challenges in the management of tricuspid regurgitation.

Isolated Tricuspid Operations: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database Analysis

BACKGROUND

Population-level data are limited regarding contemporary practice and outcomes of isolated tricuspid operations. We evaluated this using The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database.

METHODS

We identified 14,704 isolated tricuspid operations from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2020. After excluding patients with endocarditis, tricuspid stenosis, emergent/emergent salvage status, previous heart transplants, and missing tricuspid operation type, 6507 patients remained. Endpoints were operative mortality and composite major comorbidities (permanent stroke, renal failure, prolonged ventilation > 24 hours, deep sternal wound infection, cardiac reoperations, and new permanent pacemaker implantation).

RESULTS

Isolated tricuspid operations increased from 2012 (983 cases) to 2019 (2155 cases, P < .001). Median annual center volume was 2 cases (range, 1-81). In the final cohort (n = 6507; median age, 65 years; 38.5% men), 40% had New York Heart Association class III/IV heart failure and 24% had nonelective operations. The operative mortality was 7.3% (1.7% in patients without these risk factors), and new permanent pacemaker implant rate was 10.8%. In the multivariable analysis, factors associated with operative mortality included New York Heart Association class III/IV heart failure (odds ratio [OR], 1.57), nonelective operations (OR, 1.91), tricuspid replacement (OR, 1.56), annual center volume ≤ 5 cases (OR, 1.37), and higher model for end-stage liver disease scores (all P < .05). Beating heart operation was associated with a lower adjusted risk of pacemaker implant (OR, 0.69), renal failure (OR, 0.75), and blood transfusions (OR, 0.8) compared with full cardioplegic arrest (all P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Isolated tricuspid repair was associated with lower adjusted mortality and morbidities than replacement. Beating heart operation was associated with lower adjusted major morbidities. The preoperative model for end-stage liver disease scores may identify high-risk patients, and early referral to higher volume centers may help improve outcomes.

Transcatheter and surgical treatment of tricuspid regurgitation: Predicting right ventricular decompensation and favorable responders

Isolated tricuspid regurgitation (TR) has gained increasing recognition in recent years both in the surgical and in the cardiological community. Left untreated, isolated TR significantly worsens survival. Despite being a strong predictor of negative prognosis, interventions to correct TR are rarely performed due to increased surgical risk and late patient presentation. Recently, the ultimate focus has been on patient selection, surgical or transcatheter indication, and correct timing. Furthermore, of paramount importance is the identification of predictors of outcome following treatment, in order to discriminate between favorable and unfavorable responders and guide the decision-making process of the most adequate treatment for every patient.