Powers Health achieved another milestone in cardiovascular care as the first healthcare system in Northwest Indiana to offer a new minimally invasive tool to treat a common heart valve condition.
On Monday, Aug. 25, the structural heart team at Community Hospital in Munster, including Samer Abbas, MD; Michael Eng, MD; and Omar Husseini, MD, successfully performed the transcatheter tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (TEER) on two patients using TriClip by Abbott. This is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment option for people with tricuspid regurgitation.
Tricuspid regurgitation often is debilitating. It is a condition in which the valve between the right ventricle and right atrium does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the right atrium. Symptoms include shortness of breath and fatigue. When left untreated, it may progress into other conditions, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib) or heart failure.
“The TEER procedure with TriClip will benefit many patients, especially those who are not good candidates for open-heart surgery,” said Abbas, co-medical director of Cardiovascular Services for Powers Health and medical director of the Structural Heart and Valve Clinic of Powers Health. “TriClip is backed by data demonstrating safety, effectiveness and quality-of-life benefits.”
During the procedure, the TriClip device is delivered to the heart via the femoral vein. Once in place, it clips together a portion of tricuspid valve leaflets to reduce backward blood flow.
Historically, patients have had two treatment options for tricuspid regurgitation – surgery or medical therapy.
“The TriClip device provides a much-needed treatment option for people suffering from this condition,” said Dale O’Donnell, vice president of Cardiology Services for Powers Health. “This minimally invasive approach allows the heart to pump blood more efficiently and relieve symptoms of tricuspid regurgitation. Powers Health strives to deliver exemplary cardiovascular care in Northwest Indiana. Offering TriClip is another example of that commitment.”
For information about cardiovascular care at Powers Health, visit PowersHealth.org/heart.
Community Hospital’s structural heart team recently performed the first transcatheter tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (TEER) using TriClip. Shown, from left, are Angela Patti, NP; Samer Abbas, MD; Michael Eng, MD; and Omar Husseini, MD.
Community Hospital’s structural heart team recently performed the first transcatheter tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (TEER) using TriClip.