Transcatheter Treatment of The Tricuspid Valve Current Status and Perspectives ESC Mar 2024
Transcatheter Treatment of The Tricuspid Valve Current Status and Perspectives ESC Mar 2024
Received 2 August 2023; revised 13 January 2024; accepted 29 January 2024; online publish-ahead-of-print 1 March 2024
Graphical Abstract
Progressive resistance
to drugs TTV replacement
Disease stage and therapeutic strategies for tricuspid regurgitation. Tricuspid regurgitation evolves from undetectable early forms to advanced stages
characterized by escalating symptoms, right heart failure, and organ impairment. While medical therapy is utilized throughout the disease course, its
effectiveness wanes with progression. Surgery can play a role in the earlier stages, while transcatheter therapies are available for patients at high risk
and in the more advanced stages of disease. Significant overlap between treatment options underscores the urgent need for precise, evidence-based
protocols. Overall, early intervention is crucial to prevent organ damage and avoid futility of late treatments (smileys becoming sad). CAVI, caval valve
implantation; RHF, right heart failure; TR, tricuspid regurgitation; RA, right atrial; RV, right ventricular; TTV, transcatheter tricuspid valve.
Abstract
Transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions (TTVI) are emerging as alternatives to surgery in high-risk patients with isolated or concomitant tricuspid
Incipit: ‘In the delicate chambers of the heart, where life's symphony possibly related to the late referral but also influencing referral rates
finds its rhythm, a silent trouble lingers. A tricuspid valve, once a for this procedure.
guardian of harmony, now whispers a discordant tune, signaling Recent evidence challenges the belief that TV disease and, overall,
the presence of a hidden disease…’ right heart (RH) failure are of ‘secondary’ importance. In addition, re
Anonimous Chatbot cent advances in valvular interventions have broadened the spectrum
of treatable patients to high risk or inoperable patients. The broad
The recent introduction of transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions
range of transcatheter treatment eligible patients, as well as less invasive
(TTVI) has dramatically influenced the perception of the relevance of tri
nature of the procedures, will allow us to study the effect of TR reduc
cuspid valve (TV) disease. As more evidence becomes available, concepts
tion on prognosis and quality of life (QoL), but also, and probably more
and strategies are evolving (Graphical Abstract) and new challenges emerge
importantly, advance our understanding of the interaction between TV
in the quest to uncover the secrets of the right side of the heart. This
function and RH physiology, improving our detection of adaptive and
state-of-the-art review is revisiting TV disease through the most
maladaptive processes.
up-to-date knowledge of its mechanisms, diagnostics, and treatment op
tions, bringing to light the valve that is anything but forgotten.
The burden of a misleading disease:
from marker to culprit
Tricuspid valve regurgitation: a The role of TR as a marker of disease severity is unquestioned. The de
no-more-forgotten entity velopment of TR as a consequence of left heart disease or pulmonary
hypertension (PH) is associated with worsening prognosis in congestive
The TV has long been disregarded and as a result remained relatively
heart failure,6 primary PH,7 and in patients undergoing aortic8,9or mitral
under-studied, leading to under-recognition, and under-treatment.
valve interventions.10–12 However, the absolute impact of isolated TR on
For more than 50 years, tricuspid regurgitation (TR) has been classi
prognosis has been long questioned. In addition, symptoms of isolated se
fied as a signal rather than a causative prognostic factor, believed to
vere TR can be highly misleading and underestimated during its early
be easily reversible with treatment of left heart disease, or surrogate
stages or confounded with other conditions, particularly in the elderly.
of end-stage disease indicating an inoperable condition. Nina In a recent study, asthenia, ankle swelling, abdominal pain or distention,
Braunwald, in a publication considered the manifesto of the ‘forgotten and/or anorexia have been found to be predictive of clinical outcomes
valve’, described TR as a secondary issue, ‘seldom requiring an inter in patients with TR.13 With an aging population and improved left heart
vention’.1 Several factors supported the theory that the right circula failure management, the prevalence of TR is increasing and these uncon
tion is less impactful on survival than the left. As an example, children ventional symptoms are red flags motivating further investigations.
with surgically corrected congenital heart disease have survived with The Framingham study reported a prevalence of 1.5% in men and
univentricular physiology. TV endocarditis has been treated with val 5.6% in women of at least moderate TR in the elderly (above 70 years)
vectomy with acceptable short-term results.2 In addition, diuretics population.14 A more recent community-based prospective study
can efficiently control symptoms of venous congestion and reduce showed that 16% of patients ≥65 years old had previously undiagnosed
the degree of TR.3 In the setting of nonspecific signs and symptoms moderate or severe valvular heart disease, with TR having the highest
as well as early diuretic responsiveness, there has been a tendency prevalence at 7.2%,15 confirming the Framingham study. According to
to delay interventions. Surgery for isolated TR has been associated the Eurostat census, in 2001 there were 54 million elderly inhabitants
with debatable prognostic impact4 and high in-hospital mortality,5 in Europe, of which 21 million were male and 34 were million female
878 Maisano et al.
The existence of multiple tricuspid regurgitation phenotypes, each with distinct regurgitation mechanisms and patient trajectories, indicates the necessity for personalized care strategies.
This encompasses everything from diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to ongoing lifetime management.
RV, right ventricular; HFrEF, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; HFpEF, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; NET, neuroendocrine tumours; RH, right heart; EP,
electrophysiology; CIED, cardiac implantable electronic device; GUCH, grown-up congenital heart disease; TR, tricuspid regurgitation.
(https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/CENS_HNMGA__ Data from the UK Biobank showed that, compared to patients with
custom_6714995/default/table? lang=en). This would predict a poten no valvular heart disease, the risk of all-cause death is more than 2.5
tial population of 2.2 million individuals with at least moderate TR in times higher for TR.18 This is supported by a large population study
Europe. Topilsky et al., in a population-based registry, found a 0.55% of the National Echocardiography Database of Australia on 439 558
prevalence of at least moderate TR in the overall population, which in patients referred to echocardiographic examination19 that revealed a
creased with age and in women.16 The most common cause of TR was prevalence of moderate and severe TR of 5.9% and 1.8%, respectively.
left heart disease (valve disease or left ventricular dysfunction) and PH, Following adjustment for RV systolic pressure, atrial fibrillation, and left
while isolated, non-primary, TR was found in 8% of the population. The heart disease, severe TR was associated with 2.65 increased risk of
overall survival under medical management in patients with isolated TR mortality. Interestingly, increased risk was observed also in patients
was inferior to that of matched individuals with trivial TR (hazard ratio with mild (HR 1.24), or moderate TR (HR 1.72). Wang et al.20
-HR-15 1.17; P = .01). Nath et al. reported an increased mortality risk [ad performed a systematic review and meta-analysis suggesting that TR
justed for age, left ventricular ejection fraction, inferior vena cava (IVC) size, is associated with increased mortality independently of pulmonary
and right ventricular (RV)16 size and function] with moderate (HR 1.17) pressures and RH failure. The risk of mortality at a mean follow-up
and severe TR (HR 1.31) in a retrospective analysis of 5223 patients.17 of 3.2 ± 2.1 years increased from 1.25 to 1.61 and 3.44-fold in patients
Transcatheter tricuspid interventions 879
with mild, moderate, or severe TR, respectively. Patients with at least prognosis of A-STR treated conservatively23 or following an interven
moderate TR had an overall 2.56-fold increased cardiac mortality and tion24 is more favourable as compared to patients with V-STR, while
a 1.73-fold increased heart failure hospitalization rate. the impact of TR treatment in patients with fixed pre-capillary PH is de
These data challenge the misconception that TR is a benign condition batable. Such variability deserves further investigation and targeted
and suggests us to refer patients presenting with at least moderate TR therapies for a tailored approach. Recently, a comprehensive risk strati
to a valve centre with dedicated expertise for further risk stratification fication based on pheno-clusters including aetiology and clinical presen
and management. tation has been proposed.25 RH function plays a major role in risk
assessment with signs of RV failure indicating later stages of disease
progression.26,27
Risk scores for assessing short-term mortality both for medically
Revised definitions unveiling treated28 and surgically treated29 patients have included both RV func
different phenotypes and patient tion and RH failure symptoms, in addition to a number of other clinical
and laboratory parameters (Figure 2).
journeys Function follows morphology, and in the spectrum of TR subsets, the
TR disease can develop under diverse circumstances, leading to a wide anatomo-functional presentation of the valve and of the RH is highly
spectrum of phenotypes with different mechanisms and aetiology. The variable.30 Different mechanisms of regurgitation and disease progres
PCR Focus group (https://www.pcronline.com/Network/Tricuspid- sion imply the need for different types of interventions. Recent ad
Focus-Group) revised the TR classification21,22 (Table 1) subdividing vances in three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography and the use of
the formerly called functional TR into atrial secondary TR (A-STR) or tomographic imaging modalities allow a comprehensive investigation
ventricular secondary TR (V-STR), while primary TR encompasses a of the morphology of the valve apparatus and guide device selection
variety of subsets ranging from congenital malformation, traumatic for valve repair and replacement.
lesions to endocarditis. Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED)- All the components of the valve apparatus play a role: leaflet and sub
related TR is considered a separate entity with distinctive disease valvar apparatus distribution, annular shape and function, as well as right
mechanisms and management. In addition to the variability of valve atrial31 and ventricular32 function and morphology. To challenge the
morphology, mechanisms of regurgitation, and hemodynamics, clinical current nomenclature, TV has rarely three leaflets. Almost half of the
presentation seems to have prognostic relevance. This suggests differ valves with TR have more than three leaflets. This finding is highly rele
ent patient journeys and referral pathways (Figure 1). As an example, vant for leaflet devices, such as Triclip (Abbott Vascular, Menlo Park, CA,
880 Maisano et al.
USA) and Pascal (Edwards lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA). A recent leaflet dimensional (2D) and 3D echocardiography is instrumental in defining
distribution classification33 has been proposed as a guide for patient the morphologic characteristics that differentiate the TR subpheno
selection.34 types.31,39 State-of-the-art multi-modality imaging is required to appre
Less invasive technologies to manage TR have ignited the need for a ciate the complexity of TV leaflet morphology,33 provide a nuanced
dedicated quantification model. Compared to mitral regurgitation quantitation of TR severity40 and to assess RH size and function.41
(MR), the TR regurgitant volumes are larger, requiring a grading scheme Because transcatheter devices can anchor at the leaflets, annulus, at
taking into account more than severe TR.35 The new grading scheme, rium, ventricle, and vena cavae, pre-procedural imaging is key for the
which includes two more grades (massive and torrential TR) beyond se assessment of device suitability, prediction of efficacy, and guarantee
vere is reliable for risk stratification in patients treated conservatively,36 of technical success.21 A comprehensive evaluation of the TV should
as well as for patient selection and to assess postprocedural outcomes.37 be performed by transthoracic echocardiography to quantify the sever
ity and aetiology of TR, assess left ventricular and RV size and function,
and the presence of concomitant disease of other valves or PH.
Imaging: a fundamental partner for Transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) should be performed in
all patients considered for TTVI to further assess leaflet morphology
valvular interventions and function (i.e. mobility, tethering, and coaptation gaps), TR jet num
The fundamental role of imaging and dedicated imagers for structural ber, size and location, annular morphology and size, and subvalvular
heart interventions is well established.38 Advanced imaging using two- anatomy (i.e. location and density of chordae, location/height of
Transcatheter tricuspid interventions 881
papillary muscles). These anatomic parameters support optimal 3D intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) catheters already had a signifi
patient-specific device selection. Multi-modality imaging has also be cant impact on TTVI technical success when TEE is suboptimal.49–52
come the standard for the assessment of procedural eligibility.34 Both TEE and ICE catheters have biplane imaging with both lateral
Computed tomography (CT) allows comprehensive anatomical evalu and elevational tilt, and live 3D multi-planar reconstruction (MPR)
ation of the TV complex, right ventricle, and right coronary artery. In which allows simultaneous visualization of three different (often or
addition, CT is essential for pre-procedural planning of device delivery. thogonal) 2D images, in addition to the 3D volume. Because of the in
Device-specific evaluation may include assessment of femoral or jugular numerable ways in which the images can be manipulated, a dedicated,
vein diameters, cavo-atrial angulation, or detailed evaluation of caval trained interventional imager is required for both TEE and ICE imaging
anatomy.42,43 Although currently underutilized for TR, cardiac magnet during TTVI.38
ic resonance (CMR) imaging is helpful to quantify TR in case of discrep
ant echocardiographic findings44 and is the reference method to
quantify RV size and function.41,45 Current treatment options:
Intra-procedural imaging relies primarily on TEE and fluoros
copy.34,46,47 New TEE screening guidelines have standardized TV im
guidelines and real-world
aging48 and improved intra-procedural imaging protocols46 (Figure 3). The 2021 ESC/EACTS valvular heart disease guidelines recommend
The use of echo-fluoro fusion imaging may improve intra-procedural that interventional treatment of secondary TR may be considered in
communication between operators by the fusion of two modalities experienced Heart Valve Centers in symptomatic but inoperable pa
from nearly orthogonal points of view.21 The recent introduction of tients, who are anatomically eligible and have the potential for a clinical
882 Maisano et al.
Figure 4 Imaging protocols for in-hospital tricuspid regurgitation screening and treatment planning. For patients with severe symptomatic tricuspid
regurgitation, initial screening combines basic imaging techniques, predominantly transthoracic echocardiography, and right heart catheterization, with
clinical assessments to stage the disease. Intervention candidates, whether for transcatheter or surgical approaches, require further comprehensive
multimodal imaging to tailor the optimal treatment strategy and to support procedural and device selection
Transcatheter tricuspid interventions 883
benefit from the procedure.53 While the exact timing for the proced system optimized for T-TEER, while PASCAL can be used indifferently
ure in both symptomatic and asymptomatic with RH dilation is still mat for both atrio-ventricular valves. Both feature T-TEER devices of differ
ter of debate, earlier referral is beneficial and supported by guidelines. ent sizes to accommodate for diverse leaflet anatomies and jet
As far as TTVI should be reserved for inoperable patients, surgical risk locations. The TriClip device features implants of four different sizes
should be assessed using specific risk scores. The common simplifica with an active closing mechanism. The most used device is the XTW,
tion that surgery is high risk, should be demystified. Overall surgical the longest and larger clip size, maximizing the amount of potential an
risk in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database is ∼7%. However, nular reduction.60 The fourth-generation device allows independent
hospital mortality is highly dependent on the disease stage and indica grasping and continuous pressure monitoring. The PASCAL system is
tion of treatment, being highest in patients with right-sided infective a nitinol-based device with a passive closing mechanism, incorporating
endocarditis.54 When surgery is performed at earlier stages, mortality two paddles and a spacer to fill the coaptation defect. The device has a
for isolated TR can be minimized.55 The TRI-SCORE registry developed unique elongation feature that minimize the risk of leaflet entangle
an additive scoring method to predict hospital mortality in patients ment. Two sizes are available and continuous pressure monitoring is in
undergoing surgery for isolated TR (Figure 2).29 Lacking a reliable meth tegrated in the steerable catheter. Additional devices are in early
od to avoid futility, data from real-world registries56–58 as well as local feasibility development and initial clinical trials. The Dragonfly61
experience within the Heart Team should guide decisions within the in- (Venus Medtec, Hangzhou, China) system is currently under
hospital pathway (Figure 4). first-in-man evaluation in China.
T-TEER addresses TR by a combination of leaflet approximation at
the site of regurgitation and indirect annular reduction. Initial efforts
Transcatheter valve repair have been challenged by anatomical complexity, lack of dedicated
devices, and intra-procedural imaging complexity. Initially, most im
techniques plants were confined in the anteroseptal commissure, because of
Valve repair can be achieved with leaflet approximation devices, with the ease of approach and visualization by TEE. The anteroseptal co
annuloplasty, or with other devices including ‘spacers’ (devices filling aptation line remains the main initial target, trying to approximate
the coaptation gap) and chordal approximation devices (Figure 5). leaflet in the centre of the valve. The clover technique requires an
The first transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVr) has been per additional device in the postero-septal coaptation line62,63 to
formed with the MitraClip system (Abbott Vascular Inc, Santa Clara, maximize leaflet approximation and annular reduction.60 Safety and
CA, USA) in a corrected transposition patient with a morphologically efficacy of T-TEER have been shown in several single-arm
tricuspid left atrio-ventricular valve.59 Initially, tricuspid transcatheter registries64–67 and recently confirmed in pivotal trials.68 The improve
edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) with off-label MitraClip was broadly per ment of clinical outcomes follows TR reduction,57,68 while the ideal
formed in Europe, usually as an adjunct to mitral interventions. To-date, cut-off for residual gradients remains debated.69 Few non-randomized
T-TEER remains the most commonly performed TTVr procedure, with comparisons between devices show very comparable outcomes.70
two approved devices. The TriClip is a dedicated multi-steering delivery Several predictors of procedural success have been found. The
884 Maisano et al.
main anatomical determinants are the leaflet coaptation gap and the symptomatic functional TR.84 At 2 years, echocardiography showed
non-central or non-anteroseptal location of the jet.71,72 A threshold a 16% reduction in septolateral annular diameter, and ≤2+ TR in
for coaptation gap defining ineligibility for TEER is debatable, due 72% of patients. Six-minute walking distance and Kansas City
to its load dependency. Leaflet-to-annulus index72 is a promising al Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) score improved by 73 m
ternative, derived from mitral interventions.73,74 Complex valve and 14 points, respectively. Despite its strong rationale, Cardioband
morphologies, with multiple leaflets, in isolation,33 or in combination is implanted only in very experienced centres, because of the com
with larger gaps,75 are associated with residual TR. T-TEER is feasible plexity of the procedure, and the potential risk of coronary lesions.85
in selected patients with CIED leads with short-term clinical out For the same reasons, several other direct and indirect annuloplasty
comes comparable to patients without lead.76 devices have been discontinued or are in the early feasibility
Short and long-term outcomes are strongly affected by aetiology,77 stage,47,86–100 Second-generation devices are expected to simplify
clinical presentation,78 RH hemodynamics,79,80 comorbidities, organ re the procedure. The minimal effect on valve gradients, the minimal
serve, and stage of the disease.81 Recent registries show an overall im footprint of the implant, and the possibility of combining leaflet and
provement in safety and efficacy of T-TEER even in anatomically annular repair imitating surgery101 warrant further efforts in this field.
challenging scenarios. In the post-approval bRIGHT post-approval
study using the fourth-generation TriClip system, most patients were
highly symptomatic [New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III–
IV] and had more than severe TR. In this unselected population, hospital
Emerging randomized controlled
mortality and rate of adverse events were as low as 1% and 2.5%, re evidence: the impact of TR
spectively. Procedural success (reduction to ≤2+ TR) was obtained in
77% of patients, with early improvement of symptoms and QoL.
treatment
Predictors of success were smaller tethering distance and smaller right Although registries are key to explore the safety and feasibility of inter
atrial volumes at baseline.58 Similarly, the CLASP TR trial reported a ventions, the fundamental question of whether TR treatment can influ
3.1% 30 day-mortality, and sustained 1-year TR reduction (86% achiev ence survival remains to be answered. A propensity-matched analysis
ing ≤2+ TR),82 associated with improved QoL and symptoms and com comparing survival of patients undergoing TTVI to a historical series
parable results were reported in the PASTE post-market registry of medically treated patients suggested a potential survival benefit in pa
including more than 230 patients.66 tients who received successful treatment.56
While T-TEER is the most performed intervention, annuloplasty The TRILUMINATE pivotal trial68 has a historical significance since it
replicates the most common surgical repair procedure, with the pe is the first randomized study investigating an isolated TR treatment
culiarity of leaving all alternative options open. Cardioband system strategy compared to medical therapy alone. The trial randomized
was the first TTVI device approved in Europe.83 Cardioband is im 350 symptomatic patients with severe TR with a hierarchical composite
planted under echocardiographic guidance with multiple anchoring primary endpoint at 1 year consisting of death or TV surgery, heart fail
screws, followed by echo-guided annular reduction. The ure hospitalization, and improvement in QoL as measured with the
TRI-REPAIR observational study enrolled 30 patients with KCCQ. A minimal 15 KCCQ points improvement was considered
Transcatheter tricuspid interventions 885
Table 2 Comparison between the TRILUMINATE cohort and ‘real-world’ data from registries
KCCQ, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire; NYHA, New York Heart Association; SLDA, Single leaflet device attachment; RCT, randomized controlled trial; TR, tricuspid
regurgitation; SD, standard deviation.
relevant. The patient population included elderly individuals (mean 78 sided heart disease (particularly previous cardiac surgery) (Table 2).
years, 55% women), with reduced baseline QoL (mean KCCQ at base While QoL represents a relevant endpoint for elderly patients with
line: 55.1 ± 23.8 points). However, only 25% of the patients were ad TR, longer-term follow-up data are awaited to verify whether
mitted for heart failure treatment in the year before enrolment, T-TEER can influence more objective outcomes. Unfortunately, the
suggesting that, despite poor QoL, most TR patients remain managed possibility to crossover without experiencing an event at one year by
in the ambulatory setting. At baseline, TR was severe or worse in al design has the potential to blunt this expectation.
most all patients in both groups, while severe TR was still present in Several additional randomized studies comparing different treatment
95% of the control patients against 13% in the therapy arm at 1-year strategies with conservative treatment are currently enrolling in differ
follow-up. This outcome contrasts with the COAPT trial, where MR ent countries (e.g. TRISCEND II, CLASP TR, TRICI-HF in Germany and
was reduced significantly also in the medical arm at 2 years.102 This find TRI-FR in France, TRICAV for heterotopic valve replacement with the
ing confirms the efficacy of T-TEER and underlines the inefficacy of TricValve system) and will provide further insights into the clinical im
medical therapy to control TR in symptomatic patients. The procedure pact of TR treatment.
was safe, with 0.6% all-cause mortality at 30 days and only a few adverse
events. At 1 year, there was no difference in mortality, surgery for TR,
or hospitalization rate between the two groups, while KCCQ improved
Valve replacement
by 12.3 ± 1.8 points in the TEER group, in contrast to only .6 ± 1.8 In the timeline of TR interventions, transcatheter tricuspid valve re
points in the control group (P < .001). placement (TTVR), as valve-in-valve108 and valve-in-ring procedures,
The improvement in QoL is similar to that observed in the device came first. The off-label implant of balloon-expandable aortic or pul
group of the COAPT trial and larger than most of the heart failure trials monary valves109 efficiently restores failed surgical repair and replace
(Figure 6). There was a direct correlation between QoL improvement ments. The implanted prostheses function as fixation scaffold for the
and TR reduction, suggesting a dose-effect, although a placebo effect balloon-expandable valves. The VIVID (Valve-in-Valve International
cannot be completely excluded due to trial design (patient-reported Database) registry reported outcomes of 306 patients undergoing
outcome, open-label trial). The TRILUMINATE trial is a matter of in valve-in-ring and valve-in-valve procedures, with an incidence of 17%
tensive debate, with all its intrinsic limitations, being the randomized mortality, 12% reintervention, and an 8% risk of valve-related complica
study of a widely undefined field of interest. While observational studies tions at 3-year follow-up.110 Valve-in-ring and valve-in-valve have been
were predicting a much higher treatment impact, the TRILUMINATE performed successfully also in patients with preexisting pacemaker
trial included patients with a lower burden of symptoms (NYHA class leads without the need for lead extraction.111 Valve-in-ring procedures
and KCCQ) and hospitalizations before entering the study, less ad have been sometimes unsuccessful due to device and patient selection,
vanced V-STR with smaller coaptation gaps and lower incidence of left- although few reports are available in the literature.112 Patient selection,
886 Maisano et al.
imaging screening, and device selection are key elements to perform a were observed in 18% and 30% of patients at 30 days and 1 year, re
safe and simple procedure in most cases. spectively. New pacemaker implantation was needed in 13% of patients
Balloon-expandable aortic valves have also been used as caval im within 30 days (none thereafter). At 1 year, patients had significant im
plants,113,114 although this approach has been overcome by the devel provement in NYHA class, QoL, and functional status. In addition, 2
opment of dedicated devices. years outcomes of patients implanted under compassionate use
Heterotopic or caval valve implantation (CAVI) has been attempted show superimposable outcomes121 and reported a 37% increase of
to protect organs from venous hypertension and reduce left ventricular forward stroke volume and improvement of hepatic
backflow-associated TR. CAVI (Figure 7) has been mainly used in pa function. The TRISCEND II (NCT04482062) pivotal trial comparing
tients who either had a failed or had anatomical contraindications for Evoque TTVR to medical therapy is recruiting.
a ‘conventional’ transcatheter intervention. However, CAVI can be per Cardiovalve (Cardiovalve Inc., Or Yehuda, Israel), with leaflet fixation,
formed under local anaesthesia, solely fluoro-guided and non- requiring minimal radial force, therefore applicable to valves with large
constrained by TV anatomy. Dedicated prostheses are available with annulus, features a sealing cuff to minimize perivalvular leaks. The
different fixation modalities, such as single bicaval implant,115 or sepa TARGET trial (NCT05486832) is collecting feasibility safety outcomes
rated valves.116 A recent registry reported significant improvements in an international registry. To date, more than 40 patients have been
in QoL and symptoms despite no haemodynamic improvements fol enrolled. Data from 30 compassionate-use patients report 6% mortal
lowing CAVI.117 More recently, RH remodelling has been reported fol ity, 6% pacemaker implant rate, and 6% need for reintervention. At dis
lowing CAVI, suggesting a potential prognostic value.118 The exact role charge, TR was less than moderate in 92% of patients (George Nickenig,
of CAVI in the field needs to be further developed, considering its sim PCR London Valves 2023, personal communication).
plicity and reproducibility, with the inherent limitation of an interven Other technologies are under investigation in an early phase, such as
tion that does not address the culprit lesion. the Intrepid (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, MN, USA),122 the
Several orthotopic valve devices (Figure 7) are under clinical investi LuX-Valve123 (Jenscare Biotechnology, Ningbo, China), the Vdyne
gation, most of them derived from a mitral valve design, while few are (VDyne, Minneapolis, MN, USA), the Topaz (TRiCares SAS, Paris,
natively for the TV. The first TTVR with a dedicated device was per France) and Trisol Valve (TriSol Medical Ltd., Inc., Yokneam, Israel).
formed using the Gate (NaviGate Cardiac Structures, Inc.) valve.119 The Duo Valve (Croivalve, Dublin, Ireland) is a hybrid device
The large device, specifically designed to fit the large TV annulus, fea implanted in the superior vena cava but acting as a coaptation device
tures a combination of leaflet and annular fixation. Limitations in the de (either a valve or a spacer) at the valve level.
livery system have confined this device to mainly direct transatrial
access and have resulted in cases of malposition requiring surgical
revision.
Spacers
The experience with the Evoque system (Edwards Lifesciences Inc, Several attempts to treat atrio-ventricular valve regurgitation with
Irvine, CA, USA), a self-expanding device using a mix of leaflet and an spacers have been until now discouraging. These devices fill the regur
nular fixation, with a dedicated delivery system is the largest so far. The gitant orifice to reduce backflow. The main limitation is the stability of
safety-efficacy trial TRISCEND120 collected data on 172 patients. fixation and efficacy in a complex 3D-shaped regurgitant orifice. The
Cardiovascular mortality was 1.7% and 9.4%, and major adverse events FORMA spacer was fixated at the subclavian vein and the apex of the
Transcatheter tricuspid interventions 887
right ventricle. A multicenter registry demonstrated some reduction of key for success. Currently, T-TEER accounts for more than 90% of the
regurgitation with improvement in QoL,124 however, its production indications. Future changes in this prevalence depend on ease of use, scal
has been discontinued. A recent revival of spacers is observed,125 re ability, clinical outcomes, and availability of approved devices. Device se
gaining interest due to their independence from valve anatomy and sim lection is made by the Heart Team in a step-wise process that involves
plicity of implant, but clinical outcomes are unavailable.124–126 careful clinical and anatomical assessment. Multi-modality imaging help
to assess the aetiology, mechanism of regurgitation, valve anatomy,
deliverability and device eligibility, and to evaluate RV function and RH,
physiology (to predict the tolerability of the procedure in end-stage
Device selection and screening patients).
process: tailoring the therapy to In case of primary (organic) TR, T-TEER is an option for localized le
sions (Figure 8). In patients with ruptured papillary muscles (usually
patients post-traumatic), T-TEER may be considered but surgery is the most
Once indication for TTVI is given, based on a predicted clinical benefit in common solution.127 Patients with restricted leaflet motion or with a
high risk or inoperable patients, TTVI device and procedure selection is a lack of tissue (e.g. carcinoid disease) should be referred to TTVR
888 Maisano et al.
Figure 9 Decision-making and device selection algorithm for cardiac implantable electronic device-tricuspid regurgitation. Echocardiography, occa
sionally supplemented by CT imaging to better delineate the cardiac implantable electronic device pathway, is pivotal for evaluating how the cardiac
implantable electronic device affects tricuspid valve functionality. Should the cardiac implantable electronic device be implicated in tricuspid regurgita
tion (cardiac implantable electronic device-related tricuspid regurgitation), interventions such as lead extraction, repositioning, or device replacement
may be initiated by an electrophysiologist. Additionally, advanced imaging is indispensable for elucidating the regurgitation dynamics and for tailoring
treatment to the patient’s specific anatomical considerations (CIED, cardiac implantable electronic device; TEE, transoesophageal echocardiography;
CT, computed tomography; EP, electrophysiology; T-TEER, tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair; TTVR, transcatheter tricuspid valve replace
ment; CAVI, caval valve implantation)
Transcatheter tricuspid interventions 889
Figure 10 Decision-making and device selection algorithm for secondary isolated tricuspid regurgitation. The algorithm for decision-making in iso
lated secondary tricuspid regurgitation is intricate, requiring multiple steps. Initially, a distinction is made between atrial and ventricular tricuspid regur
gitation based on clinical and echocardiographic data. Atrial secondary tricuspid regurgitation demands a collaborative approach with electrophysiology
experts to devise rhythm management strategies. For ventricular secondary tricuspid regurgitation, especially in advanced stages, right heart catheter
ization is essential to gauge the severity and characteristics of pulmonary hypertension and to evaluate right heart function. The choice of intervention
and device is then guided by detailed valve anatomy and cardiac function assessments through multimodal imaging (CIED, cardiac implantable electronic
device; TEE, transoesophageal echocardiography; CT, computed tomography; EP, electrophysiology; T-TEER, tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge re
pair; TTVA, transcatheter tricuspid annuloplasty; TTVR, transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement; CAVI, caval valve implantation)
890 Maisano et al.
(when available) or CAVI. Obviously, surgery should be reconsidered in moderate tethering, as seen in patients with late forms of A-STR and
patients who are not eligible for any TTVI procedure, and is mandatory concomitant RV remodelling.
in most patients with active infective endocarditis. The main limitation of T-TEER (Figure 11) is the coaptation gap and
Patients with CIED-related TR (Figure 9) can be challenging.128 First, the leaflet anatomy, while annuloplasty is limited by leaflet tethering,
multi-modality imaging is required to determine whether TR is caused and the anatomy of the right coronary artery. In patients with V-STR,
by the CIED (CIED-related TR) or the lead has no direct impact on the while T-TEER remains the most common treatment, TTVR and
mechanism of regurgitation (CIED-associated TR). In very selected cases CAVI are a potential alternative, when the right ventricle is remodelled
of CIED-related TR, a lead management strategy can be attempted by re and the disease more advanced. CAVI is an option for end-stage un
placing, relocating,129 or removing130 the lead and implanting a valve- treatable patients in whom a palliative approach is needed, while its
sparing pacemaker system (leadless pacemaker or coronary sinus lead). use in the earlier stages is still under evaluation.117 Orthotopic TTVR
However, lead extraction, particularly in patients with leads entangled in is a very promising alternative to repair due to the predictability of
the subvalvular apparatus, can worsen TR by generating additional le TR reduction and to the ease of use. However, several anatomical lim
sions131 (even in leadless pacemakers.132) In case of CIED-associated itations are excluding a large number of potential candidates. The eligi
TR, T-TEER, and annuloplasty are not contraindicated and the presence bility anatomical criteria are strictly related to the delivery system and
of a CIED seems to have no impact on outcomes.76 On the other hand, the mode of fixation of the different prostheses. They include the size
if the lead is actively involved and adherent to a valve structure, repair tech and shape of the annulus, the size of the right ventricle, the quality of the
niques should be used only in very experienced hands. leaflet tissue, and the deliverability (venous access and angle between
TTVR can be a good alternative, although the issue of lead manage the IVC and the valve). In addition, patients considered for TTVR
ment remains debated. Many patients have been treated by jailing the undergo a more comprehensive evaluation of RV function. A suitable
lead without acute effects,110,133 but there are some cases of damaged coupling between pulmonary resistance and RV function is considered
leads and other complex situations (e.g. need for infected lead extrac a reliable method to exclude the risk of afterload mismatch.80,135–137
tion following TTVR.134)
In the case of secondary TR (Figure 10), the treatment options are
wider.21 Patients with A-STR can be successfully treated with either
Future perspectives
T-TEER or annuloplasty. Annuloplasty (eventually followed by TEER) To optimize outcomes, awareness, and early disease detection and
can be very efficient in patients with larger coaptation gaps and minimal management have to be further encouraged. In the era of individualized
leaflet tethering, while T-TEER is more adequate for patients with precision medicine, TTVI offers the opportunity to apply innovative
Transcatheter tricuspid interventions 891
treatment approaches and gain systematic evidence in a largely under from Abbott Vascular, Edwards Lifesciences, Polares medical, Medira,
investigated field of modern cardiology. Given the high disease com and Siemens Healthineers. Philipp Lurz has received institutional grants
plexity of TR, with several clinical phenotypes and crossing patient from Abbott Structural, ReCor and Edwards Lifesciences, Honoraria
journeys, a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to succeed. Novel diag from ReCor and Innoventric and holds share options of Innoventric.
nostic and patient selection tools, including artificial intelligence, able to
integrate multiple variables, analyze large datasets, harmonize layers of
knowledge, and competence should be implemented to guide
Data Availability
decision-making. No data were generated or analysed for or in support of this paper.
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