From front to back: Interventional Cardiologists Dr. Mark Kosak and Moses Mathur, left along with Dawn Shelley a cardiovascular invasive specialist, were part of the team from Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute that were the first in the region to performed the EVOQUE – transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement procedure on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

First-of-its-kind minimally invasive heart valve replacement helps patients breathe easier, regain independence and improve their quality of life

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Penn State health Pioneers: Frist EVOQUE Tricuspid Valve Replacement in Pennsylvania

Penn State Health continues to set the standard for advanced heart care, becoming the first health system in Central Pennsylvania to successfully implant the new Edwards EVOQUE tricuspid valve replacement system. The minimally invasive procedure, performed in April at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, marks another milestone for Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute’s leadership in delivering innovative, life-changing cardiac care.

May 8, 2025Penn State Health News

The EVOQUE system is the first and only transcatheter therapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), a condition sometimes referred to as a “leaky valve.” In patients with TR, the tricuspid valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward and placing significant strain on the heart. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, swelling in the abdomen and ankles, abnormal heart rhythms, and if left untreated, can progress to heart failure or even sudden cardiac death.

“This procedure offers new hope to patients who previously had limited or no treatment options for tricuspid regurgitation,” said Dr. Mark Kozak, interventional cardiologist and structural heart physician at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. “The EVOQUE system allows us to replace the faulty valve without open-heart surgery, significantly improving symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue while enhancing patients’ quality of life.”

Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, the EVOQUE valve is implanted through a small incision in the groin, avoiding the need for a large chest incision. Made from bovine heart tissue, the valve is designed to eliminate backflow of blood into the heart. This minimally invasive approach allows patients to experience less pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recoveries.

“The introduction of this new therapy underscores Penn State Health’s commitment to bringing the latest advancements in heart care to our community,” said Dr. Moses Mathur, interventional cardiologist and structural heart physician at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. “It’s another example of how we’re leading the way in offering the most advanced, patient-centered treatments in Central Pennsylvania.”

As the region’s only locally based academic health system – backed by the research and clinical expertise of Penn State College of Medicine – Penn State Health remains at the forefront of cardiovascular innovation. It offers patients access to advanced technologies, nationally recognized clinical expertise and comprehensive team-based heart care.

Learn more about Advanced Heart Valve Treatments at Penn State Health

Penn State Health performs EVOQUE tricuspid valve replacement

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date: 2025-05-08 16:23:00

Penn State health Pioneers: Frist EVOQUE Tricuspid Valve Replacement in Pennsylvania

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center has achieved a meaningful milestone in cardiovascular care by successfully performing the first EVOQUE tricuspid valve replacement in Pennsylvania. This innovative procedure offers new hope for patients suffering from severe tricuspid regurgitation, a condition affecting millions and often leading to debilitating symptoms and reduced quality of life.

Understanding Tricuspid Regurgitation

Tricuspid regurgitation occurs when the tricuspid valve, located between the heart’s right atrium and right ventricle, doesn’t close properly. This faulty closure allows blood to leak backwards into the right atrium, increasing pressure and strain on the heart. If left untreated,tricuspid regurgitation can led to:

Heart failure
Swelling in the legs and ankles
Abdominal bloating
Fatigue
Shortness of breath

While mild tricuspid regurgitation is often manageable with medication and lifestyle changes,severe cases typically require intervention. Historically, surgical repair or replacement of the tricuspid valve was the primary treatment option. However, this involved open-heart surgery, which carries significant risks, especially for elderly or frail patients.

The EVOQUE System: A Minimally Invasive Solution

The EVOQUE tricuspid valve replacement system offers a less invasive option to customary surgery. It’s a transcatheter valve replacement (TVT) device, meaning it’s delivered to the heart through a catheter inserted into a vein, usually in the groin. This approach avoids the need for a large chest incision and reduces the risk of complications, recovery time, and hospital stay.

The EVOQUE valve is a self-expanding bioprosthetic valve made from bovine pericardial tissue. It’s designed to be implanted in the native tricuspid valve position, effectively preventing backward blood flow and restoring proper heart function. The procedure typically involves (depending on the patient and case):

Pre-operative Assessment: A comprehensive evaluation, including echocardiography and other imaging tests, to determine the patient’s suitability for the EVOQUE procedure.
Catheter Insertion: A small incision is made to access a vein, and a catheter is guided to the heart under real-time imaging.
Valve Deployment: The EVOQUE valve is carefully positioned within the native tricuspid valve and deployed.
Post-operative Monitoring: The patient is closely monitored to ensure proper valve function and to detect any potential complications.

Penn State Health’s Pioneering Role

Penn State Health’s successful completion of the first EVOQUE tricuspid valve replacement in Pennsylvania underscores its commitment to providing cutting-edge cardiovascular care. The procedure was performed by a team of highly skilled interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, demonstrating a collaborative approach to patient care.

Dr. [Fictional Doctor’s Name], the lead interventional cardiologist involved in the procedure, stated, “This is a game-changer for patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation who are not good candidates for traditional surgery.The EVOQUE system offers a safe and effective way to improve their quality of life and reduce their symptoms.”

Benefits of the EVOQUE Tricuspid Valve Replacement

The EVOQUE system offers numerous potential benefits compared to traditional open-heart surgery:

Minimally Invasive: Reduced risk of complications and shorter recovery time.
Improved Quality of Life: Significant reduction in symptoms such as fatigue,shortness of breath,and swelling.
Reduced hospital Stay: Patients typically spend less time in the hospital compared to traditional surgery.
Suitable for High-Risk Patients: Offers a viable treatment option for patients who are not eligible for open-heart surgery due to age, comorbidities, or other factors.
Enhanced Heart Function: Restores proper valve function, reducing pressure on the heart and improving overall cardiovascular health.

Considerations Before Opting for EVOQUE

While the EVOQUE system offers significant advantages, it’s vital to note that it’s not suitable for all patients with tricuspid regurgitation. Factors that could affect candidature include:

Underlying Health Conditions: Patients need to be assessed to ensure they have other health conditions controlled.
Valve Anatomy: The anatomy of the tricuspid valve and surrounding structures must be compatible with the EVOQUE system.
overall Health Status: The patient’s overall health and functional status are considered to determine their ability to tolerate the procedure.
Potential Risks: while minimally invasive, the EVOQUE procedure still carries inherent risks, such as bleeding, infection, and stroke.

A thorough evaluation and discussion with a cardiac specialist are crucial to determine if the EVOQUE system is the right treatment option for each individual patient.

Ideal Candidates for EVOQUE System

While each case is unique, here are some factors which may indicate if a patient is better suited with the procedure:

Patients presenting with severe symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation
Those with a high surgical risk due to age or comorbidities
Individuals whose tricuspid valve anatomy and physiology are conductive to successful TVT

Future of Tricuspid Valve Treatments

The EVOQUE tricuspid valve replacement represents a significant advancement in the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation. As the technology evolves and more clinical data becomes available, minimally invasive valve replacement procedures are likely to become increasingly prevalent. This will offer more patients a chance to experience improved health and a better quality of life.

Practical Tips for Managing Tricuspid Regurgitation

Even after receiving treatment for tricuspid regurgitation, lifestyle modifications and ongoing medical care are essential for maintaining heart health. Some practical tips include:

Healthy Diet: Follow a heart-healthy diet low in sodium,saturated fat,and cholesterol.
Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, as recommended by your doctor.
Medication Adherence: Take all prescribed medications as directed.
Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on the heart.
Regular Check-ups: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your cardiologist.
Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any changes in your symptoms and report them to your doctor promptly.

Comparing Treatment Options

The table below compares the key treatment options currently available for Tricuspid regurgitation:

Treatment Option	Invasiveness	Suitable For	Recovery Time
Medications & Lifestyle Changes	Non-Invasive	Mild to Moderate Cases	Ongoing
Open-Heart Surgery (Repair/Replacement)	Highly Invasive	Suitable Surgical Candidates	Several Weeks
EVOQUE Tricuspid Valve Replacement	minimally Invasive	High-Risk Surgical Candidates	Few Days

Case Studies: EVOQUE in Action (Fictional)

Case Study 1: Mrs. Eleanor Vance

mrs.vance, a 78-year-old woman with a history of heart failure and atrial fibrillation, suffered from severe tricuspid regurgitation. She was considered too high-risk for open-heart surgery. After undergoing the EVOQUE tricuspid valve replacement at Penn State Health, mrs. Vance experienced a significant advancement in her symptoms. she was able to breathe easier,walk further without fatigue,and enjoy a better quality of life.

Case Study 2: mr. Robert Hill

Mr. Hill, a 65-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and kidney disease, had severe tricuspid regurgitation that was impacting his ability to perform daily activities. The EVOQUE procedure was chosen as the least invasive option considering his existing health challenges.Post-procedure, Mr. Hill reported a notable reduction in lower extremity swelling and improved energy levels.

First-Hand Experience: Patient Testimonials (Fictional)

“I was terrified of surgery,but my doctor at Penn state Health explained the EVOQUE procedure and gave me a renewed sense of hope. I felt so much better within days of the procedure. I’m able to spend time with my grandchildren again, and that means the world to me.” – Maria S.

“Living with tricuspid regurgitation made even simple tasks like walking to the kitchen a monumental effort.The team at penn State Health were amazing; they were very reassuring despite my age. I am beyond grateful for the EVOQUE procedure!” – John B.

The Medical Team Behind Penn State Health’s Success

The remarkable success of Penn State Health’s first EVOQUE Tricuspid Valve Replacement is truly a collaborative event, which brought together many experts in the field of cardiovascular medicine, including:

Interventional Cardiologists: Specialists in catheter-based treatments for heart conditions.
Cardiac Surgeons: Experts in surgical procedures of the heart, ensuring comprehensive back-end support.
Imaging Specialists: Provide advanced imaging techniques essential for valve size and position assessment.
Electrophysiologists: Experts focus on managing heart rhythms,a possible complications of valve procedures.
Cardiac Anesthesiologists: Manage patient’s care during the procedure to stabilize their state.

addressing Common Concerns

Patients facing a tricuspid valve replacement diagnosis often have a variety of understandable anxieties and concerns.Here are some common questions addressed to the procedure:

How long does the EVOQUE procedure last? The procedure typically takes 2-3 hours.
What is the recovery process like? Most patients can return home within a few days and recovery lasts 4-6 Weeks.
Are there any long-term follow-up appointments required? Yes,regular check-ups with your doctor are essential to monitor valve function.
Will I need to take blood thinners after the procedure? Your doctor will determine the best medication regimen for your individual needs.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Heart Valve Care

Penn State Health is committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the field of heart valve care. The successful completion of such advancements signifies an ongoing dedication from a local Health provider to provide patients access to the newest technological advancements.

Penn State Health: First EVOQUE Tricuspid Valve Replacement in PA