The TricValve®, also known as transcatheter bicaval valves system, is a minimally invasive procedure to address the effects of severe tricuspid regurgitation, for patients who are at high risk or unsuitable for open heart surgery.Illustration of TricValve bioprosthetic valves implanted to superior and inferior vena cava (Image courtesy of OrbusNeich)The National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) is the first centre in Singapore to offer this treatment since December 2021 and to-date successfully performed three cases. The TricValve procedure is also part of the comprehensive suite of treatment options offered at NHCS, for patients with severe heart valve disease. The treatment options ranges from medication therapies, minimally invasive (percutaneous or transcatheter) procedures, and surgical treatments to repair or replace the damaged valve.In this procedure, two bioprosthetic valves are placed in the venous system (one in the superior vena cava and another in the inferior vena cava) to reduce the backflow of blood and pressure on the other organs of the body.
Samples of TricValve transcatheter bicaval valves (bioprosthesis) (Image courtesy of OrbusNeich)While TricValve is a relatively new procedure for which studies on long-term clinical outcomes are ongoing, it provides an additional option for patients with significant symptoms and are deemed unsuitable for surgery.
