Comparison of transcatheter tricuspid valve repair using the MitraClip NTR and XTR systems

Transcatheter tricuspid leaflet repair (TTVr) using the MitraClip is a promising option for patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and heart failure. However, no comparative studies of the NTR and XTR systems have been reported.

The aim of this study was to assess the relative efficacy, safety, and clinical outcomes of patients with severe TR treated with the MitraClip NTR and XTR systems.

Forty consecutive patients with severe TR underwent TTVr. The primary outcome was procedural success, with NYHA functional class, TR grade and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) assessed at 30-day follow-up.

The majority of patients had functional TR and a greater proportion of XTR patients had torrential TR with larger coaptation gaps. Procedural success was achieved in 70% vs 80% in the NTR and XTR cohorts. Single leaflet device attachment was equal in both groups (5%). At 30-day follow-up, 70% vs 85% of NTR and XTR patients were in NYHA Class I/II. The mean reduction in TR grade was greater in the XTR group (1.5 ± 0.3 vs 2.3 ± 0.4, p-0.012). In patients with torrential TR at baseline, 55% in the XTR group achieved TR ≤ 2+ compared to none in the NTR group (p < 0.001).

In this first study comparing the MitraClip NTR and XTR systems for TTVr, we found both to be safe and effective, while the XTR system allowed treatment of larger coaptation gaps, greater mean reduction in TR grade, with more effective reduction of torrential TR.