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A new heart procedure performed at The Christ Hospital Health Network offers a promising alternative for cardiovascular patients seeking to avoid open-heart surgery. The transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) aims to replace a faulty heart valve without the need for invasive surgery. This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients suffering from severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), a condition where one of the heart valves fails to close properly, significantly affecting daily activities and reducing quality of life.
Santiago Garcia, MD, an interventional cardiologist and Director of the Structural Heart Program at The Christ Hospital Health Network, stated, “This new, less invasive valve replacement procedure can significantly improve the daily lives of people suffering from severe tricuspid regurgitation.” He added that patients who underwent the procedure reported improved ability to perform daily activities and felt better overall compared to those receiving only regular medical treatment.
The study involved 400 patients across various health networks, including The Christ Hospital Health Network. Participants were divided into two groups: one received the new valve along with regular medical treatment, while the other group received only medical treatment. Results showed significant improvements in quality of life as early as 30 days post-treatment.
This development marks the first transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement device to gain regulatory approval after demonstrating substantial clinical benefits over current standard care methods. Details of the study have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The Christ Hospital Health Network includes an acute care hospital in Mt. Auburn, a remote location in Liberty Township, five ambulatory outpatient centers, and numerous medical offices throughout the region. With over 1,300 physicians and more than 6,500 team members, their mission is to enhance community health by delivering exceptional outcomes affordably. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as Cincinnati's top hospital and listed among Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals in 2024.
