Repairing Tricuspid valve with a tricuspid clip

If you are in reasonably good condition, and can be expected to live for at least another five years, I think the case can be made to operate on you....from my point of view. I would be a patient, like you, and I would work hard to find a surgeon of some repute who feels he/she can do the repair on someone with your medical circumstances and age.

Open heart surgery is routine, even on elderly patients, but a lot depends on how they look, how they talk, how they respond to pointed and sometimes complex questions (will they profit from this intervention, and can they look after themselves if nobody is around when trying to heal?), and also on the confidence and experience of the person being asked for the intervention.

These days, 76 is not old. It is elderly, but at least half of the world's adults live to about 75-80 years of age with a good diet, exercise, and a family physician who is on the ball. And, of course, some personal relationships and social interaction with caring friends and relatives.

Bottom line: make your case. You've done well with one repair already, and why not take a stab at another repair for the other main valve?

By the way, it is 'mitral' valve, not 'mitro'. You might be thinking of 'nitro' for those with angina, a whole nuther heart problem. 🙂

I am 78 years old. I have already had a mitro vlave replacement. I am still off and on in a-fib. I also have mild to severe tricuspid leakage. It has been suggested that i have a TEE , tricuspid clip. Has any one had experience with this procedure, and if so. Was it helpful. Thanks

I have not needed this but I’ve heard and read that it really works and is a much safer procedure too. Here is some information from the manufacturer of the product.
https://www.structuralheart.abbott/products/transcatheter-valve-repair/triclip

I have a severe transcupsis valve leak. It has been recommended that i have a TTVR valve clip. I am reluctant . Has anyone had any experience with this procedure. It is new so there isn’t much info that i can find. Susan

I have not but I am assuming it is similar to putting a clip on the mitral valve for reguritation, which is becoming very common. When you can get anything done well through the groin, that is a plus, a lot better than open heart like they use to. I did a search in a group I belong to - heart-valve-surgery.com. There are articles on using clips on that valve.

Hi @suzucarranza, I see that you asked about the tricuspid clip a few months ago and are still hoping to hear from someone who has actually had the procedure. I’m glad you asked again.

I found an older discussion where @nw945 was being evaluated for a research program to repair the tricuspid valve using a clip.

@nw945, did you ultimately have the clip procedure? If so, would you be willing to share your experience with Susan as she considers whether to move forward?

@suzucarranza, besides hearing from someone who has been through it, what concerns do you have about the procedure, or what information would help you feel more prepared to make your decision?

@jlharsh thanks. I am scheduled for the TTVR procedure next month,, nov. 2026 . Most of the comments were from back in 2020 from people who had the clip with open heart surgery. Mine will be thru the groin. Fairly new procedure. I dont know anyone who has had it.my doctors have been very informative. Just wanting to hear how people felt afterwards.

Hello @suzucarranza,

I combined your discussions regarding your tricuspid valve leak into one discussion so members could follow your updates and take part in one central discussion. You can see all of your posts and responses here:

"Repairing Tricuspid valve with a tricuspid clip"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/repairing-tricuspid-valve/

In addition to the members @jlharsh invited, I'd like to invite a few members who have also had a mitral clip which utilizes a similar surgical process to diagnose, image, and place. While they are not identical, the experiences of members who have had this procedure, or a loved one, may offer some parallels on what to expect: @skmsf, @sylviagbbs, @gmaj85, @rois4richo.