Tricuspid Valve Implantation

UC Health offers several advanced options, including endoscopic and transcatheter procedures. Endoscopic tricuspid valve surgery uses tiny cameras and instruments through small incisions, while transcatheter approaches repair or replace the valve using a thin tube threaded through a blood vessel.

Tricuspid valve implantation is performed to treat tricuspid valve disease, a group of serious heart conditions that affect the valve between the right upper and lower chambers. It’s often recommended for patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation, where the valve fails to close properly and allows blood to flow backward, overworking the heart. It can also be critical for people with rare congenital or tumor-related valve disorders, such as Ebstein anomaly and carcinoid heart disease.

• Severe tricuspid regurgitation (leaky tricuspid valve)
• Ebstein anomaly (a birth defect of the tricuspid valve)
• Carcinoid heart disease (heart damage from certain tumors)

To treat these complex conditions, UC Health provides innovative therapies such as the EVOQUE Transcatheter System and the CorTricuspid ECM® Valve. These cutting-edge treatments are designed to restore normal blood flow, reduce complications, and enhance quality of life.            

UC Health stands out for its use of 3D digital planning and advanced imaging, which help doctors choose the safest and most effective approach for each patient. The team also leads in endoscopic triple valve surgery and offers hybrid procedures that combine surgical and catheter-based techniques.

Endoscopic tricuspid valve surgery at UC Health often means less pain, smaller scars, and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open-heart surgery.

Before tricuspid valve implantation, patients at UC Health benefit from advanced 3D digital surgical planning. This process uses detailed pre-procedural imaging, such as echocardiograms and CT scans, to create a precise map of the heart’s structure. Surgeons use these images to plan the safest and most effective approach for each individual.

• Allows the care team to visualize the heart in three dimensions
• Helps select the best type of valve and surgical technique
• Reduces risks by anticipating challenges before surgery

This careful preparation supports better results and a smoother recovery for patients undergoing tricuspid valve procedures.

Tricuspid valve implantation can be performed using several advanced techniques at UC Health, each designed to fit a patient’s specific needs. Options include traditional open-heart surgery, minimally invasive endoscopic surgery, transcatheter valve replacement (such as the EVOQUE system), and totally tissue-engineered valve implantation using the CorTricuspid ECM valve.

• Open heart surgery (requires a large chest incision and heart-lung machine)
• Minimally invasive endoscopic surgery (uses small incisions and a camera for guidance)
• Transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (EVOQUE system, performed through a blood vessel)
• Totally tissue-engineered tricuspid valve implantation (CorTricuspid ECM valve, available through clinical trials)
• Hybrid approaches (combining surgical and catheter-based methods)

Endoscopic tricuspid valve surgery uses small incisions and a thin camera, allowing surgeons to repair or replace the valve with less impact on the body. This approach often leads to faster recovery, less pain, and a lower risk of complications compared to traditional open-heart surgery.

For some patients, UC Health offers the CorTricuspid ECM valve, a fully tissue-engineered valve made from natural materials, through select clinical trials. The EVOQUE system allows for valve-in-valve replacement or percutaneous valve therapy, which means the new valve is placed through a blood vessel without opening the chest. These options expand treatment choices for patients who may not be candidates for open surgery.

Throughout the procedure, a specialized team monitors your heart and vital signs closely, using advanced imaging and 3D planning to guide every step for the safest possible outcome.

Recovery after tricuspid valve implantation depends on the type of procedure and the valve used. Most patients spend a few days in the hospital, followed by several weeks of gradual return to normal activities. Walking and light exercise are encouraged, but heavy lifting or strenuous activity should be avoided until cleared by your care team.

Medication and Anticoagulation

After surgery, some patients need blood-thinning medication (anticoagulation) to prevent clots, especially if a mechanical valve is used. Bioprosthetic valves, made from animal tissue, may require shorter or no anticoagulation. Patients with the CorTricuspid ECM valve do not need anticoagulation because the valve is populated by the patient’s own cells. Your doctor will explain which medications are needed and for how long.

Ongoing Care

Regular follow-up visits help monitor your heart and valve function. Your team will check for signs of infection, valve problems, or medication side effects. Staying active, eating a heart-healthy diet, and taking medications as prescribed support a strong recovery.

Minimally invasive and tissue-engineered tricuspid valve procedures offer shorter recovery times, smaller incisions, and less pain compared to traditional open-heart surgery. These advanced techniques can also reduce the risk of certain complications and may be an option for people who are not candidates for open surgery.

Mechanical vs Biological Valves

• Mechanical valves last longer but require lifelong blood-thinning medication to prevent clots.
• Biological (bioprosthetic) valves are made from animal tissue and usually do not need long-term blood thinners, but may wear out sooner.

All tricuspid valve implants carry some risks, including blood clots (valve thrombosis), infection, and the possibility of needing another procedure in the future. Your care team will help you weigh these factors to choose the best option for your health.

Tricuspid valve disease can often be managed with options other than full valve replacement. Valve repair, including techniques like valve leaflet repair, may help restore normal function while preserving your own tissue. Medical management—using medications to control symptoms and support heart function—is sometimes recommended for those who are not candidates for surgery.

Hybrid and Transcatheter Approaches

UC Health offers hybrid treatments that combine surgical and catheter-based therapies, as well as transcatheter therapy, which allows for valve repair or replacement without open surgery. These alternatives can be especially helpful for patients with higher surgical risks or complex heart conditions.

UC Health leads the way in tricuspid valve care, offering the advanced, multidisciplinary expertise that only an academic medical center can provide. Patients benefit from a team that includes interventional cardiologists, heart surgeons, and imaging specialists who work together on every case.

Innovation and Research Leadership

UC Health leads clinical trials for the totally tissue-engineered CorTricuspid ECM valve, offering access to the latest valve technology. The team pioneered first-in-human endoscopic triple valve surgery and uses 3D digital planning for precise, minimally invasive procedures.

Collaborative Approach

Ongoing research with UC College of Medicine engineers drives new solutions for severe tricuspid valve regurgitation. Patients can request a second opinion or explore innovative treatments by connecting with the cardiovascular expert team.

UC Health offers a full range of heart and vascular services to support patients before, during, and after tricuspid valve implantation.

Support and Next Steps

• Schedule a consultation for tricuspid valve repair or replacement with our providers.
• Request a second opinion from UC Health’s interventional cardiologists or cardiac surgeons.
• Find support for your cardiovascular health journey through the integrative health services at UC Health.

For expert care and support, schedule your tricuspid valve consultation with UC Health today by calling (513) 475-8521.