For people with severe and symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation, this procedure can only be done with special arrangements. This means you’ll have regular appointments afterwards to check how well it’s working or whether it has caused problems. This is because there’s not enough evidence about how well this procedure works in this group, and it can cause complications.
For people with mild or moderate tricuspid regurgitation, this procedure can only be done as part of a research study. This is because there is not enough evidence to be sure how well it works or how safe it is in this group. Your healthcare professional should talk to you about the research.
The tricuspid valve is a heart valve made up of 3 flaps. Tricuspid regurgitation happens when the tricuspid valve does not close properly, and blood flows the wrong way in the heart. This makes the heart work harder and, if severe, can lead to heart failure. In this procedure, a device is inserted into a vein in the groin or the neck (transcatheter) and placed in the heart to support the tissues surrounding the valve (annuloplasty) so that the leaflets are brought towards each other. The aim is to reduce the severity of regurgitation and help the heart pump more efficiently, improving symptoms and quality of life.
You can search the NHS website for information about consultants and hospitals that offer this procedure.
Is this procedure right for me?
You should be included in making decisions about your care.
Your healthcare professionals should explain the risks and benefits of this procedure and how it is done. They should discuss your options and listen carefully to your views and concerns. They should offer you more information about the procedure. Your family or carers can be involved if you want or need them to be.
You will be asked to decide whether you agree (consent) to have the procedure. Find out more about giving consent to treatment on the NHS website.
Some questions to think about
- How many appointments will I need?
- What are the possible benefits? How likely am I to get them?
- What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
- Will I have to stay in hospital?
- What happens if it does not work or something goes wrong?
- What happens if I do not want the procedure?
- Are other treatments available?
Information and support
- NICE's information on interventional procedures guidance explains what an interventional procedure is and how we assess it.
- NICE’s information on interventional procedures recommendations explains what special arrangements are.
You can also get support from your local Healthwatch.
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