Tricuspid Valve Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TriClip): Initial Outcomes and Experience in Türkiye

OBJECTIVE
This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of tricuspid valve (TV) transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) procedures using the MitraClip or TriClip device in high-risk patients with severe secondary tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and provide Turkish-specific data on procedural outcomes and clinical follow-up.


METHODS
This study enrolled 42 high-risk patients with severe secondary TR who underwent transcatheter edge-to-edge repair using either the MitraClip or TriClip device. Patient selection criteria included severe TR, high surgical risk (EuroScore ≥ 8 and Tricuspid Regurgitation Impact Severity Score (TRI-SCORE) ≥ 6), symptomatic despite medical therapy, and anatomical suitability for TriClip. Patients underwent rigorous evaluation by a specialized cardiac team before the procedure, including 2D/3D transesophageal echocardiography to assess eligibility.


RESULTS
The study achieved a 100% procedural success rate, defined as successful implantation and at least one-degree reduction in TR severity. Post-procedure assessments revealed that 88.1% of patients had mild to moderate TR, indicating significant improvement, while only 11.9% retained severe TR. During the median follow-up of 11.5 months, rehospitalization occurred in 23.8% of patients, and mortality was observed in 7.1% of patients, demonstrating a favorable safety profile. Comparative analysis between TriClip and MitraClip devices showed similar efficacy and safety outcomes, with no significant differences in procedural durations or complication rates.


CONCLUSION
The study demonstrates the effectiveness and safety of TV TEER using TriClip or MitraClip devices in managing severe secondary TR in high-risk patients. Procedure success, improved TR severity, and favorable clinical outcomes were observed, supporting the role of transcatheter techniques in TR management.