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

• Published in: JACC. Basic to translational science 2022-06, Vol.7 (6), p.600-607
• Main Authors: Pan, Wenzhi, Long, Yuliang, Zhang, Xiaochun, Chen, Shasha, Li, Wei, Pan, Cuizhen, Guo, Yingqiang, Zhou, Daxin, Ge, Junbo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: annuloplasty; Preclinical Research; transcatheter; tricuspid regurgitation; tricuspid valve
• ISSN: 2452-302X; 2452-302X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2022.02.022

[Display omitted] •The K-Clip transcatheter tricuspid annuloplasty system simulates the Kay’s procedure: shortening the distance between anterior leaflet and posterior-septal leaflets and resulting in a functionally bicuspid valve.•The K-Clip system anchors on the annulus tissue using a corkscrew, with no need to cross the valve, and it is easy to adjust the corkscrew position by adjusting the depth and direction of 2 matched deflectable sheaths in the right atrium.•Results from this study indicate that the K-Clip system may be potentially applicable in treatment of severe tricuspid regurgitation in humans. 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.