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Stay Informed
HEART VALVE DISEASE

TRICUSPID REGURGITATION

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR), or tricuspid valve regurgitation, is a type of heart valve disease in which the tricuspid valve does not close properly. Tricuspid regurgitation is also known as a leaky tricuspid valve.

More than 1.6 million people in the U.S. are affected by tricuspid regurgitation,1 which can severely impact quality of life. If left untreated, severe tricuspid regurgitation can lead to atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and ultimately, death.2

The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and right ventricle of the heart. As the right ventricle contracts, the valve opens and closes to ensure that blood flows in only one (forward) direction to the lungs.3

Tricuspid regurgitation is a condition where the valve does not close completely, allowing blood to leak backward (regurgitate) from the right ventricle back into the right atrium during contraction. This increases the volume of blood in the atrium, which can enlarge as a result.2,3 The more open the valve remains, the more blood regurgitates and the more severe the problem.
 

Tricuspid regurgitation places an extra burden on your heart and lungs, and your heart may have to work harder to function normally.2

Tricuspid regurgitation symptoms vary depending on the severity of the condition. Tricuspid regurgitation can force the heart to work harder, causing symptoms that can seriously affect your quality of life. Tricuspid regurgitation worsens over time and may not cause signs or symptoms until the disease is severe. Symptoms associated with tricuspid valve regurgitation may include:2,3

  • A pulsing feeling in the neck due to blood flow disruptions.
  • Fatigue and reduced exercise capacity as the heart works harder to compensate.
  • Swelling in the feet and ankles, often worsening over time.
  • A heart murmur or distinct sound caused by blood leaking backward (tricuspid valve regurgitation murmur).

POUNDING OR PULSING FEELING
IN THE NECK

Fatigue

FATIGUE

Ankles and Feet swelling

SWELLING OF THE LEGS, FEET, OR STOMACH

Shortness of Breath

SHORTNESS OF BREATH
WHEN BEING ACTIVE

Heart Palpitations

RAPID, FLUTTERING HEARTBEAT

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of tricuspid regurgitation, talk to your doctor to receive a thorough examination and proper diagnosis. You should also promptly seek treatment if you notice that your symptoms are getting worse - for example, if the swelling in your feet and ankles has increased or if you find it more difficult to perform daily activities such as walking up the stairs.

Tricuspid regurgitation causes can vary, but they generally stem from issues that affect the heart's structure or function. Tricuspid regurgitation occurs when the tricuspid valve fails to close properly, leading to blood leakage, also known as regurgitation of the tricuspid valve, into the right atrium. Below are some common causes of this condition:

  • Heart conditions: Conditions like pulmonary hypertension, which cause an enlarged right ventricle, are one of the primary causes of tricuspid regurgitation, and dysfunctional left heart.2,3
  • Diseases: Other diseases also may cause tricuspid regurgitation, such as infective endocarditis (valve infection), Marfan syndrome, rheumatic fever, injury, and carcinoid tumors.2,3
  • Congenital heart defects: Some people are born with a heart defect that affects the function of the tricuspid valve, making it susceptible to regurgitation. Over time, these defects may lead to a leaky tricuspid valve.2

Tricuspid regurgitation places an extra burden on your heart and lungs and complications may depend on how severe the condition is. Possible complications include an irregular and often rapid heartbeat, called atrial fibrillation (AFib),
and heart failure.2

Tricuspid regurgitation treatment

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with tricuspid regurgitation, it’s important to seek timely treatment since the condition gets worse over time. Your doctor and heart team may recommend several options, depending on the severity of your condition. These options can range from a tricuspid heart valve replacement to less invasive solutions like tricuspid valve repair.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

MAT-2413351 v1.0 | Item approved for U.S. use only.

References
  1. Kolte D, Elmariah S. Current state of transcatheter tricuspid valve repair. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther. 2020;10(1):89-97. doi: 10.21037/cdt.2019.09.11.
  2. Mayo Clinic. Tricuspid valve regurgitation. Accessed October 7, 2023. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tricuspid-valve-regurgitation/symptoms-causes/syc-20350168
  3. American Heart Association. Problem: tricuspid valve regurgitation. Accessed October 7, 2023. www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/heart-valve-problems-and-causes/problem-tricuspid-valve-regurgitation
Important Safety Information
  • TriClip G4

  • WHAT IS TRICLIP™ THERAPY APPROVED FOR?
    Available by prescription only.

    TriClip therapy is a minimally invasive procedure approved for treating patients with severe tricuspid valve regurgitation who continue to have symptoms despite being on heart failure medication, and who are at increased risk for surgery.

    Patients should work with their doctor and a multidisciplinary heart team with experience treating heart failure to confirm their surgical risk and to ensure that they are on the optimal medications. The heart team will determine if transcatheter edge-to-edge valve repair is clinically appropriate, is expected to reduce tricuspid valve regurgitation severity to moderate or less, and if the patient meets the indications for the TriClip procedure.

    WHO SHOULD NOT HAVE THE TRICLIP PROCEDURE?

    Patients that have any of the following conditions may not be good candidates for the TriClip Procedure: Patients with intolerance or allergy to procedural anticoagulation, untreatable hypersensitivity to implant components (nickel-titanium alloy, cobalt-chromium alloy), or active endocarditis or other active infection of the tricuspid valve.

    WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRICLIP PROCEDURE?

    As with any medical procedure, there is a possibility of complications. The most serious complications of the TriClip™ Procedure include, but are not limited to: death, stroke, TIA (mini-stroke), major vascular complications which can include damage to a major blood vessel that may require surgery, and life-threatening bleeding events that require a blood transfusion. For additional potential risks and complications, please consult with your physician or heart team.

    Talk to your doctor to learn more about the risks associated with TriClip Therapy and ask for the detailed Important Safety Information if you'd like to review the full list of complications.

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MAT-2302755 v5.0  |   Item approved for U.S. use only.

Step 1

To implant the device, your doctor inserts a narrow tube into a vein in your upper leg.

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