19.04.2024

Hannover Medical School (MHH) is presenting a decisive advancement in cardiology: the minimally invasive replacement of the tricuspid valve using a new catheter system, a significant expansion of treatment options for heart valve defects.

By introducing a new type of catheter system, it is now possible to replace all four heart valves minimally invasively, including the tricuspid valve. This development offers an important alternative to traditional surgical procedures and significantly expands the spectrum of cardiac medicine.

Image: A hand holds a mechanical heart valve prosthesis surrounded by a white, stitched textile material; Copyright: Karin Kaiser/MHH

The new type of prosthesis for the tricuspid valve is inserted into the heart using a catheter and positioned there.

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Valuable therapy extension

The Department of Cardiology and Angiology at the MHH, under the direction of Prof. Johann Bauersachs, was one of the first institutions in Germany to introduce this procedure. The catheter-based system represents a valuable addition to existing treatment options, particularly for patients with a severe leak in the tricuspid valve that cannot be treated with other methods.

The tricuspid valve - a critical factor for heart health

The tricuspid valve, the valve between the right atrium and the right ventricle, plays a crucial role in the circulation of deoxygenated blood through the body. Its leakage can lead to serious symptoms such as shortness of breath and water retention, which significantly affect the quality of life of those affected.

Insight into the procedure

The first patient to undergo this procedure, Karin D. from Hanover, reports a significant improvement in her quality of life. The specialized heart team at the MHH, led by Prof. Tibor Kempf and Dr. Dominik Berliner, performs the procedure. The Evoque prosthesis, consisting of connective tissue with a nitinol wire mesh, is placed in the heart using a catheter and unfolds automatically to take up its function.

Quality of life through technological progress

The rapid recovery after the procedure and the restoration of heart function illustrate the success of this method. Patients can leave the clinic just a few days after the procedure.

The introduction of this new procedure at MHH demonstrates the hospital's commitment to developing and delivering advanced, patient-centered therapies. It underscores the importance of continuous innovation in cardiac medicine to improve outcomes and enable patients to lead more fulfilling lives.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Hannover Medical School

More about MHH at: www.mhh.de/en