West Virginia Press Association
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Joseph Choo, MD and Richard Han, MD, along with the CAMC cardiac imaging team, performed the first tricuspid valve repair in West Virginia, Aug. 9, using the minimally invasive technique, TriClip™ transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system.
The tricuspid valve is one of four valves that control blood flow through the heart. People suffering from tricuspid regurgitation, or a leaky tricuspid valve, have a heart valve that doesn’t close properly, causing a leak and allowing blood to flow backward in the heart. This can force the heart to work harder, causing debilitating symptoms such as swelling, fatigue and shortness of breath. TriClip™ (TEER) procedure gives patients an option without a high-risk, open-heart surgery.
Delivered through a vein in the leg, TriClip™ TEER technology works by clipping together a portion of the leaflets – or flaps of tissue – to repair the tricuspid valve and help blood flow in the right direction.
“This is a groundbreaking procedure for patients who have this complex heart condition. Providing them with a better quality of life with this option is incredible. We are thrilled to have it right here at CAMC,” said Joseph Choo, MD, Cardiologist at CAMC.