Feasibility Study of a Novel Transcatheter Tricuspid Annuloplasty System in a Porcine Model

Abstract

Gradually, more attention has been paid to tricuspid regurgitation. Formerly the "forgotten valvular heart disease," it has been recognized as having high incidence and adverse prognosis if untreated. However, isolated tricuspid valve surgery carries substantial risk and is thus not recommended. The K-Clip transcatheter tricuspid annuloplasty system has recently emerged as a minimally invasive therapeutic option that may help address these unmet clinical needs. The K-Clip technology simulates the Kay's procedure, which reduces the dimensions of the tricuspid annulus by folding and clamping the tricuspid annulus issue with a rigid clamping device. The feasibility of the K-Clip technology was investigated in this study, and annulus area reduction and declining tricuspid regurgitation grades were noted following the procedure. The findings of this study suggest that the K-Clip system may potentially be applicable as a novel transcatheter tricuspid annuloplasty device for the treatment of severe tricuspid in humans.