Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 1, 2026

Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement from Autologous Pericardium with a Self-Expandable Nitinol Stent in an Adult Sheep Model
Published on: June 8, 2022
Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement in High-Risk Elderly Patients: Procedural Feasibility, Complexity, and
Lucia Trabucchi1, Sergio Torralbas Fitz1, Rodolfo Arce2
1Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, Florida, USA.
Background:
Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality and remains undertreated in elderly patients with prohibitive surgical risk. Transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) has emerged as a therapeutic option for anatomies unsuitable for transcatheter edge-to-edge repair.
Case Summary:
We report 2 elderly high-risk patients with torrential symptomatic TR who underwent orthotopic TTVR using transfemoral venous access. The first patient, a 94-year-old woman with prior mitral annuloplasty and a transvalvular pacemaker lead, underwent successful TTVR with complete elimination of TR and rapid symptomatic improvement. The second patient, an 84-year-old man with severe leaflet tethering and complex anatomy, underwent successful valve implantation but subsequently developed delayed complete atrioventricular block requiring leadless pacemaker implantation.
Discussion:
These cases demonstrate the feasibility of TTVR in elderly patients with complex anatomy and highlight delayed conduction disturbances as a clinically important complication requiring extended rhythm surveillance.
Take-Home Messages:
TTVR is feasible and effective in selected elderly high-risk patients with severe TR and challenging anatomy. Delayed conduction abnormalities may occur several days after implantation and warrant structured rhythm monitoring.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization
Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management