The team of the 1st Department of Cardiology at the University Clinical Centre, the MUG hospital headed by Prof. Marcin Gruchała, has successfully performed two innovative transcatheter tricuspid Evoque valve implantations using advanced 3D visualisation. These procedures – exceptional also on a global scale – address the lack of effective therapeutic options for patients with heart failure caused by severe tricuspid regurgitation.
The tricuspid valve is located on the right side of the heart and functions as a valve ensuring unidirectional blood flow. In cases of regurgitation, it fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backwards rather than forward. Severe tricuspid regurgitation represents an advanced stage of this condition, characterised by significant backflow, leading to cardiac overload and symptoms such as dyspnoea, fatigue, and peripheral oedema. If left untreated, it may result in a substantial deterioration in quality of life, progression of heart failure, and ultimately death.
– Both transcatheter tricuspid valve implantations using the Evoque system were successful. This represents an important step in the development of minimally invasive treatment for patients with advanced valvular heart disease. For patients at very high surgical risk and without other viable therapeutic options, this currently constitutes the only effective treatment pathway – emphasises Prof. Marcin Fijałkowski from the 1st Department of Cardiology at the MUG. – Procedures of this type remain among the most advanced in interventional cardiology. By performing them at the UCC, we have joined a select group of European centres offering the full spectrum of transcatheter therapies for structural heart disease, including valvular disorders – he adds.
The procedures were performed in two patients aged 80. The first intervention was guided using the advanced GE HealthCare Vivid Pioneer echocardiography system, enabling real-time 3D imaging of cardiac structures. The second procedure was supported by the Philips VeriSight Pro 3D intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) catheter, allowing exceptionally precise intra-procedural visualisation. The application of these technologies makes the procedures innovative also on a global scale. Such interventions represent the future of cardiology and set the direction for the continued development of treatment for advanced cardiac diseases. Both patients have since been discharged from hospital in significantly improved condition.
Before the procedure – Severe tricuspid regurgitation
After the procedure – Following implantation of the Evoque valve prosthesis
The procedures were made possible through the involvement of a multidisciplinary team comprising: Radosław Targoński, Łukasz Lewicki, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc., Michał Chmielecki, M.D., Ph.D., Rafał Gałąska, M.D., Ph.D., Izabela Pisowodzka, M.D., Ph.D., Witold Bachorski, M.D., Ph.D., Agnieszka Mickiewicz, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc., Dawid Pigłowski, M.D., Ph.D., Prof. Marcin Gruchała and Prof. Marcin Fijałkowski, supported by an experienced nursing and technical team.
