Modified Clover Technique Using Automated Suture Placement and Securing Technology in a Passive Beating Heart Model.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Medical Devices
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is common and severe cases lead to poor patient outcomes.
• Clover repair is a surgical option for both primary and secondary TR.
• Novel techniques are needed to improve TR treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a modified clover repair technique using automated suturing devices.
• To compare this modified technique against standard ring annuloplasty for TR treatment.
• To assess the efficacy of these repairs in an ex vivo beating porcine heart model.

Main Methods:

• A passive beating porcine heart model was utilized.
• Secondary TR was induced in 10 porcine hearts.
• Regurgitant volume was measured before and after isolated ring annuloplasty, modified clover repair, and a combined procedure.

Main Results:

• Baseline regurgitant volume averaged 43.3 ± 10.8 mL.
• All repair methods significantly reduced regurgitation (p < 0.0001).
• The modified clover technique (12 ± 3.9 mL) and combined procedure (7.6 ± 3.4 mL) showed superior reduction compared to ring annuloplasty (22.2 ± 5.9 mL).

Conclusions:

• The modified clover repair technique effectively reduces tricuspid regurgitation in an ex vivo model.
• This technique may enhance tricuspid valve repair outcomes.
• It holds potential for facilitating totally endoscopic tricuspid valve surgery.