Six-month outcome after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair of severe tricuspid regurgitation in patients with heart failure

Eur J Heart Fail. 2018 Jun;20(6):1055-1062. doi: 10.1002/ejhf.1147. Epub 2018 Apr 26.

Abstract

Aims: Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is common in patients with right-sided heart failure (HF) and causes substantial morbidity and mortality. Treatment options beyond medical therapy are limited for high-risk patients. Transcatheter edge-to-edge tricuspid valve (TV) repair showed procedural safety and short-term efficacy. Impact on mid-term outcome is unclear. This dual-centre observational study evaluates the mid-term safety, efficacy and clinical outcome after edge-to-edge TV repair for severe TR in patients with HF.

Methods and results: Overall, 50 patients with right-sided HF and severe TR were treated with the transcatheter edge-to-edge repair technique; 14 patients were treated for isolated TR and 36 patients for combined mitral regurgitation (MR) and TR. At 6-month follow-up (available for 98% of patients), a persistent reduction of at least one echocardiographic TR grade was achieved in 90% of patients and New York Heart Association class improved in 79% of patients. The 6-minute walk distance increased by 44% (+84 m, P < 0.001), the median N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide decreased by 30% (from 3625 to 2526 pg/mL, P = 0.002), and the quality of life score improved by 16% (decrease of 6 points in the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire score, P = 0.056). The improvements were comparable in patients undergoing isolated TR or combined MR and TR treatment. During follow-up, 8 patients died, 14 were hospitalized for worsening of HF, 2 underwent TV surgery, and 2 received a second TV clip procedure.

Conclusions: Transcatheter edge-to-edge TV repair for severe TR is safe and effective in reducing TR. It appears to be associated with improved clinical outcome in the majority of patients.

Keywords: Heart failure; MitraClip; Percutaneous edge-to-edge repair; Right ventricle; Tricuspid regurgitation; Tricuspid valve.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cardiac Catheterization / methods*
  • Cause of Death / trends
  • Echocardiography
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Heart Failure / complications*
  • Heart Failure / diagnosis
  • Heart Failure / mortality
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Morbidity / trends
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Survival Rate / trends
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / complications
  • Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / epidemiology
  • Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / surgery*