Objective Assessment of Functional Capacity Improvement Following Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Interventions

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Interventional Cardiology
• Heart Failure Management

Background:

• Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) often coexists with heart failure, particularly in high-risk surgical patients.
• Transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions (TTVI) offer a less invasive alternative to surgery.
• Limited data exist on the impact of TTVI on functional capacity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of TTVI on functional capacity in patients with severe TR and heart failure.
• To assess changes in cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) parameters, TR severity, and clinical outcomes post-procedure.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, observational study of 10 high-risk patients undergoing TTVI (PASCAL® or EVOQUE®).
• Functional capacity assessed by CPET (primary endpoint: peak oxygen consumption [VO₂]).
• Evaluated TR severity, NYHA class, furosemide dose, and pro-BNP levels at baseline and 3 months.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in peak VO₂ (14.7 to 16.4 ml/kg/min, p=0.009).
• Improvements observed in peak oxygen pulse and ventilation maximum.
• Reduced TR severity, improved NYHA class, and decreased furosemide requirement.

Conclusions:

• TTVI in severe TR and heart failure patients is associated with enhanced functional capacity.
• These interventions lead to better functional class and reduced diuretic needs.
• TTVI demonstrates safety and efficacy in this high-risk population.