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.

Atrial secondary tricuspid regurgitation: pathophysiology, definition, diagnosis, and treatment.

Atrial secondary tricuspid regurgitation (A-STR) is a distinct phenotype of secondary tricuspid regurgitation with predominant dilation of the right atrium and normal right and left ventricular function. Atrial secondary tricuspid regurgitation occurs most commonly in elderly women with atrial fibrillation and in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in sinus rhythm. In A-STR, the main mechanism of leaflet malcoaptation is related to the presence of a significant dilation of the tricuspid annulus secondary to right atrial enlargement. In addition, there is an insufficient adaptive growth of tricuspid valve leaflets that become unable to cover the enlarged annular area. As opposed to the ventricular phenotype, in A-STR, the tricuspid valve leaflet tethering is typically trivial. The A-STR phenotype accounts for 10%-15% of clinically relevant tricuspid regurgitation and has better outcomes compared with the more prevalent ventricular phenotype. Recent data suggest that patients with A-STR may benefit from more aggressive rhythm control and timely valve interventions. However, little is mentioned in current guidelines on how to identify, evaluate, and manage these patients due to the lack of consistent evidence and variable definitions of this entity in recent investigations. This interdisciplinary expert opinion document focusing on A-STR is intended to help physicians understand this complex and rapidly evolving topic by reviewing its distinct pathophysiology, diagnosis, and multi-modality imaging characteristics. It first defines A-STR by proposing specific quantitative criteria for defining the atrial phenotype and for discriminating it from the ventricular phenotype, in order to facilitate standardization and consistency in research.

Cardiac implantable electronic device-induced tricuspid regurgitation: Implications and management.

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) secondary to cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) has been well documented and is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes. A variety of mechanisms have been proposed including lead-induced mechanical disruption of the tricuspid valvular or subvalvular apparatus and pacing-induced electrical dyssynchrony. Patient characteristics such as age, sex, baseline atrial fibrillation, and pre-existing TR have not been consistent predictors of CIED-induced TR. While two-dimensional echocardiography is helpful in assessing the severity of TR, three-dimensional echocardiography has significantly improved accuracy in identifying the etiology of TR and whether lead position contributes to TR. Three-dimensional echocardiography may therefore play a future role in optimizing lead positioning during implant to reduce the risk of CIED-induced TR. Optimal lead management strategies in addition to percutaneous interventions and surgery in alleviating TR are very important.

Outcomes of tricuspid regurgitation after lead extraction.

INTRODUCTION: Transvenous leads have been implicated in tricuspid valve (TV) dysfunction, but limited data are available regarding the effect of extracting leads across the TV on valve regurgitation. The aim of this study is to quantify tricuspid regurgitation (TR) before and after lead extraction and identify predictors of worsening TR. METHODS: We studied 321 patients who had echocardiographic data before and after lead extraction. TR was graded on a scale (0 = none/trivial, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe). A change of >1 grade following extraction was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 321 patients underwent extraction of a total of 338 leads across the TV (1.05 ± 0.31 leads across the TV per patient). There was no significant difference on average TR grade pre- and postextraction (1.18 ± 0.91 vs. 1.15 ± 0.87; p = 0.79). TR severity increased after extraction in 84 patients, but was classified as significantly worse (i.e., >1 grade change in severity) in only 8 patients (2.5%). Use of laser lead extraction was associated with a higher rate of worsening TR postextraction (44.0% vs. 31.6%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: In our single-center analysis, extraction of leads across the TV did not significantly affect the extent of TR in most patients. Laser lead extraction was associated with a higher rate of worsening TR after extraction.

Risk stratification by systemic manifestations secondary to hemodynamic disorders of patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a prevalent disease that triggers systemic pathological changes including cardiac, respiratory, hepatic and digestive, hematopoietic, renal and skin issues. The burden of extra-cardiac manifestations has not been well described in TR patients and the clinical impact is unknown. METHODS: Patients with severe or more-than-severe TR during hospitalization, who did not have any previous cardiac procedures, hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease or concomitant severe aortic or mitral valve disease, were retrospectively analyzed. Pre-specified criteria and diagnosis of baseline characteristics were used to evaluate the presence of extra-cardiac manifestations secondary to TR after excluding comorbidities that may also lead to corresponding abnormalities. Extra-cardiac involvements encompass respiratory, hepatic and, digestive, renal, hematopoietic and dermatic system. Staging criteria are defined as no extra-cardiac system involvement in Stage 1, one in Stage 2, at least two extra-cardiac involvements in Stage 3 and any end-stage organ failure in Stage 4. A telephone follow-up was conducted to record the composite endpoint namely all-cause death or cardiac rehospitalization after the index hospitalization. RESULTS: A total of 258 patients were identified with a median age of 73 (interquartile range [IQR]: 62-83) years and 52.3% were female. Severe TR and more-than-severe TR patients accounted for 92.6% and 7.4% of the cohort. There were 20.5%, 27.5%, 37.6% and 14.3% of patients from Stage 1 to 4 respectively. The follow-up time was at a median of 251 (IQR: 183-324) days. TR Patients in Stage 3&4 were at an increased risk with borderline statistical significance to experience the composite endpoint compared to patients in Stage 1&2 (odds ratio [OR] 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0 to 3.7, P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of patients with at least severe TR presented with two or more extra-cardiac systemic manifestations, which may incur a 1.9-fold higher risk of all-cause death or cardiac rehospitalization than TR patients with one or less extra-cardiac involvement.

Successful tricuspid valve repair and right atrial mass excision for calcified thrombus causing severe tricuspid regurgitation and near-occlusion of inferior vena cava.

BACKGROUND: Calcified right atrial thrombus is rare and commonly occurs secondary to atrial fibrillation and long-term central venous catheterization which present risk for embolization. Treatment typically involves anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy but rarely surgical excision can be performed, especially in patients with venous obstruction or concomitant valvular dysfunction. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 69 year old symptomatic female with a history of atrial fibrillation and long-term venous catheterization found to have a large calcified right atrial thrombus causing inferior vena cava obstruction and severe tricuspid regurgitation. Patient underwent full median sternotomy with ascending arterial cannulation with superior vena cava and femoral venous cannulation. Intraoperatively, extensive right atrial calcified thrombus was found extending into the inferior vena cava and involving the septal portion of the tricuspid valve annulus causing regurgitation. The calcified thrombus was removed which resolved the inferior vena cava obstruction and the tricuspid valve was repaired by transecting septal leaflet chordae, commissuroplasty, and ring annuloplasty. Postoperative course was uncomplicated and pathology confirmed a calcified right atrial thrombus. At 6 month follow up, the patient was asymptomatic with echocardiogram showing no inferior vena cava stenosis and trivial tricuspid regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical excision of calcified right atrial thrombus is rare and is often indicated for symptomatic patients with extensive involvement causing venous inflow obstruction or valvular dysfunction. Sufficient preoperative imaging and a multi-disciplinary approach are essential for accurate diagnosis to guide targeted treatment. When the tricuspid valve is involved, repair is preferred over replacement in this patient population given their propensity for calcification and thrombus formation which may result in an increased risk of early bioprosthetic valve degeneration or mechanical valve thrombosis.

Late presentation of traumatic tricuspid valve chordal rupture and pericardial rupture with cardiac herniation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Although chest trauma happens very often, accompanying tricuspid valve injuries occur rarely and may be manifested by scarce symptoms and signs. Pericardial rupture with cardiac herniation is even a bigger rarity. Transthoracic echocardiography plays a key role in the diagnosis of valve injuries but is of limited value in cardiac herniation. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of 58-year-old man who experienced severe chest trauma in a car accident. Symptoms of right heart failure occurred 10 years after the injury, due to the loss of tricuspid leaflet support caused by the rupture of tendinous chords with significant tricuspid regurgitation. Intraoperatively, old posttraumatic pericardial rupture into left pleura was also found, with partial cardiac herniation and pressure of the edge of pericardium on all left-sided coronary arteries simultaneously. The patient was successfully operated and is free of symptoms 4 years later. CONCLUSIONS: This case emphasizes the importance of timely diagnosis and underlines a mechanism that leads to delayed rupture of the tricuspid valve apparatus. Repeated echocardiography in all patients who experienced chest trauma could be of great importance. Also, given the limited value of echocardiography in posttraumatic pericardial rupture and cardiac herniation, cardiac computed tomography should be performed.

A rare case of severe tricuspid regurgitation caused by TIPS stent migrating into the right atrium.

BACKGROUND: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a common, effective and reliable treatment modality for portal hypertension. Migration of the TIPS stent into the right atrium is a rare and fatal complication. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of severe tricuspid regurgitation caused by a stent migrating into the right atrium in a patient hospitalized with refractory ascites due to cirrhosis. DISCUSSION: In this case, it is noteworthy that secondary stenting, which is necessary especially in cases of occlusion, significantly increases the risk of migration. CONCLUSION: Although a rare complication, intracardiac stent migration should be considered in patients with a history of TIPS in the presence of a new heart murmur and signs of arrhythmia.

Tricuspid edge-to-edge repair for tricuspid valve prolapse and flail leaflet: feasibility in comparison to patients with secondary tricuspid regurgitation.

AIMS: Transcatheter tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) has gained widespread use for the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in symptomatic patients with high operative risk. Although secondary TR is the most common pathology, some patients exhibit primary or predominantly primary TR. Characterization of patients with these pathologies in the T-TEER context has not been systematically performed. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients assigned to T-TEER by the interdisciplinary heart team were consecutively recruited in two European centres over 4 years. Echocardiographic images were evaluated to distinguish between primary and secondary causes of TR. Both groups were compared concerning procedural results. A total of 339 patients were recruited, 13% with primary TR and 87% with secondary TR. Patients with primary TR had a smaller right ventricle (basal diameter 45 vs. 49 mm, P = 0.004), a better right ventricular function (fractional area change 45 vs. 41%, P = 0.001), a smaller right (28 vs. 34 cm2, P = 0.021) and left (52 vs. 67 mL/m2, P = 0.038) atrium, and a better left ventricular ejection fraction (60 vs. 52%, P = 0.005). The severity of TR was similar in primary and secondary TR at baseline (TR vena contracta width pre-interventional 13 ± 4 vs. 14 ± 5 mm, P = 0.19), and T-TEER significantly reduced TR in both groups (TR vena contracta width post-interventional 4 ± 3 vs. 5 ± 5 mm, P = 0.10). These findings remained stable after propensity score matching. Complications were similar between both groups. CONCLUSION: T-TEER confers equally safe and effective reduction of TR in patients with primary and secondary TR.

Association of right atrial strain and long-term outcome in severe secondary tricuspid regurgitation.

OBJECTIVE: Severe secondary tricuspid regurgitation (STR) causes significant right atrial (RA) volume overload, resulting in structural and functional RA-remodelling. This study evaluated whether patients with severe STR and reduced RA function, as assessed by RA-reservoir-strain (RASr), show lower long-term prognosis. METHODS: Consecutive patients, from a single centre, with first diagnosis of severe STR and RASr measure available, were included. Extensive echocardiographic analysis comprised measures of cardiac chamber size and function, assessed also by two-dimensional speckle-tracking strain analysis. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality, analysed from inclusion until death or last follow-up. The association of RASr with the outcome was evaluated by Cox regression analysis and Akaike information criterion. RESULTS: A total of 586 patients with severe STR (age 68±13 years; 52% male) were included. Patients presented with mild right ventricular (RV) dilatation (end-diastolic area 13.8±6.5 cm2/m2) and dysfunction (free-wall strain 16.2±7.2%), and with moderate-to-severe RA dilatation (max area 15.0±5.3 cm2/m2); the median value of RASr was 13%. In the overall population, 10-year overall survival was low (40%, 349 deaths), and was significantly lower in patients with lower RASr (defined by the median value): 36% (195 deaths) for RASr ≤13% compared with 45% (154 deaths) for RASr >13% (log-rank p=0.016). With a median follow-up of 6.6 years, RASr was independently associated with all-cause mortality (HR per 5% RASr increase:0.928; 95% CI 0.864 to 0.996; p=0.038), providing additional value over relevant clinical and echocardiographic covariates (including RA size and RV function/size). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe STR presented with significant RA remodelling, and lower RA function, as measured by RASr, was independently associated with all-cause mortality, potentially improving risk stratification in these patients.

Understanding Tricuspid Regurgitation Post Cardiac Transplantation; Why "Anatomical" and "Functional" Just Won't Cut It.

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is common after cardiac transplantation and results in poorer outcomes. Transplant recipients are at high prohibitive risk for redo surgical procedures because of risks associated with a subsequent sternotomy, immunosuppression, and renal failure. Percutaneous therapies have recently become available and may be an option for transplant recipients. However, transplant recipients have complex geometry, and there is a myriad of causes of TR posttransplant. There is a need for careful patient selection for all percutaneous valve interventions, and this is particularly true in transplant recipients who suffer from right ventricular failure and rejection and may undergo repeated endomyocardial biopsies. Cognizant of the rapid developments in this space, this review article focuses on the causes of TR, treatments, and future therapies in heart transplantation recipients to the transplant cardiologist navigate this complex area.

Valvular heart disease in patients with cardiac amyloidosis.

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an underdiagnosed condition caused by the deposition of misfolded proteins, namely immunoglobulin light chains and transthyretin, in the extracellular spaces of the heart. Any cardiovascular structure can be affected by amyloid infiltration, including the valves. Amyloid accumulation within the cardiac valves may lead to their structural and functional impairment, with a profound impact on patients' prognosis and quality of life. The most common forms of valvular disease in CA are aortic stenosis (AS), mitral regurgitation (MR), and tricuspid regurgitation (TR). CA and AS share similar risk factors, disease mechanisms, and remodeling patterns, which make their diagnosis particularly challenging. Patients with both CA and AS experience worse outcomes than CA or AS alone, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement may represent a useful therapeutic strategy in this population. Data on MR and TR are quite limited and mainly coming from case reports or small series. This review paper will summarize our current understanding on the epidemiology, disease mechanisms, echocardiographic features, clinical implications, and therapeutic options of AS, MR, and TR in patients with CA.

Surgical Considerations for the Mitral Valve in Congenitally Corrected Transposition.

BACKGROUND: Systemic atrioventricular valve (morphologic tricuspid valve [TV]) regurgitation has been implicated in the development of systemic ventricular failure in congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA), leading to timely referral for valve replacement. However, the surgical management of subpulmonary atrioventricular valve (morphologic mitral valve [MV]) regurgitation and outcomes has not been well studied. METHODS: Of 108 ccTGA patients undergoing atrioventricular valve surgery from 1979 to 2022, 22 patients (20%) underwent MV surgery. Demographics, etiology of valve regurgitation, operative details, and outcomes of these 22 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Follow-up at 1, 5, and 10 years was available for 18 (82%), 13 (59%), and 11 patients (50%), respectively. RESULTS: Median age was 37 years (interquartile range, 29-57 years). Intrinsic MV pathology was present in 18 individuals (82%). Operations included repair in 16 patients (73%), replacement in 6 (27%), and concomitant replacement of TV in 16 (73%). There was 1 perioperative death (5%) in a patient undergoing an emergent operation for severe acute-on-chronic heart failure due to worsening TV regurgitation. During a median follow-up of 12 years (interquartile range, 2-19 years), 7 patients (32%) died. Among the 16 patients who underwent repair, recurrent moderate or greater regurgitation was seen in 15%, 29%, and 43% of repairs in patients with annular, leaflet, and lead-induced regurgitation, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant TV and MV disease occur much less frequently than isolated TV disease in ccTGA. Intrinsic MV disease is most commonly observed but appears less amenable to successful repair compared with mitral repair in the systemic position and suggests MV replacement may be preferred in ccTGA patients.