Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Embolization: Revealing Critical Limitations of Contemporary Valve Design.

Authors

Seyed Hossein Aalaei-Andabili, Douglas Anderson, Sara G Kwiatkowski, Diljon S Chahal

Published in

JACC. Case reports. Pages 109402. Jul 17, 2026. Epub Jul 17, 2026.

Abstract

Edwards Lifesciences' Evoque valve system is the only approved transcatheter system for tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR). Two major studies have shown remarkable improvements in quality of life after the Evoque valve replacement, and a 2-year follow-up suggested a mortality benefit.
A 64-year-old woman with severe symptomatic tricuspid valve regurgitation underwent implantation of an Evoque valve. Following the procedure, she developed frequent cardiac arrhythmia. Subsequent transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms demonstrated valve embolization. Intraoperative observation further revealed that a large ventricular septal defect was created by the displaced valve.
TTVR carries significant risks; valve migration can result in life-threatening complications, requiring immediate surgical evaluation. This report is the first to document a life-threatening valve embolization, indicating that the valve design remains suboptimal.
The current TTVR system design is inadequate. Valve migration is a potentially life-threatening complication that exposes fundamental flaws in the existing device design.

PMID:
42467043
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 17 Jul 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.