Transcatheter Tricuspid Regurgitation Repair—An Overview of Techniques and Eligible Patient Selection

Abstract

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is frequently encountered in clinical practice. It is classified into primary TR (organic), which accounts for a minority of cases; and into secondary TR (functional), which has a higher prevalence. Although it can be asymptomatic for a long time, TR causes right ventricle dysfunction and increases hospitalizations for heart failure and mortality. In most patients with severe, isolated TR, surgery is not indicated due to the high surgical risk. In the last 10 years, transcatheter tricuspid valve repair became feasible with the following good results: reduction in TR severity, reverse remodeling of the right heart chambers, improvement in symptoms and reduction in hospitalization time. This paper presents the main transcatheter techniques and data from relevant trials that used these techniques, focusing on patient characteristics that define eligibility and high probability of repair. Information is provided regarding the observed benefits and the complications.