Among First in Nation to Perform Revolutionary Tricuspid Valve Replacement

St. Luke’s Heart and Vascular team became the first in the region to perform a transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) using the revolutionary Edwards Lifesciences EVOQUE Tricuspid Valve Replacement System.

This procedure marks a significant advancement in the treatment of tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR), a condition where the tricuspid valve, located between the right atrium and right ventricle of the heart does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backwards. This can lead to severe complications such as heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AFib).

The cardiac surgery team led by Jose Amortegui, MD, and interventional cardiologist Christopher Sarnoski, DO, performed the first case on Tuesday, May 20^th.

"We are thrilled to be at the forefront of cardiac care with the introduction of this tricuspid valve replacement system,” Dr. Amortegui said. “This innovative procedure offers new hope for patients suffering from tricuspid valve regurgitation, significantly improving their quality of life and reducing the risk of severe complications such as heart failure and atrial fibrillation."

St. Luke's Heart & Vascular is an eight-time nationally ranked 50 Top Heart Hospital dedicated to delivering unmatched, patient-centered care. Leading the region in heart and vascular care, St. Luke's performed its first open heart surgery in 1983 and continues to be the first in the region to pioneer new and advanced surgeries to this day. From the most complex cases to routine procedures, St. Luke's embraces innovative technologies to deliver the highest quality outcomes for all heart and vascular conditions.

The Edwards EVOQUE system features a self-expanding implant designed to safely replace a faulty tricuspid valve, offering a minimally invasive solution to eliminate TR. It can improve patient outcomes by preventing complications, reducing recovery times and enhancing overall quality of life for those affected by this condition.