CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – UVA Health has become the first medical center in Virginia to perform a groundbreaking heart procedure aimed at treating tricuspid regurgitation, a serious condition that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently.
The condition occurs when the tricuspid valve—one of the four valves in the heart—fails to close properly. This causes blood to flow backward into the heart, increasing pressure and potentially leading to heart failure if left untreated.
Doctors at UVA Health recently used a newly approved valve system to correct the issue, offering a minimally invasive solution for patients with few other options.
“If the tricuspid valve continues to leak, patients may experience worsening shortness of breath, especially during physical activity,” said Dr. John Saxon, a cardiologist at UVA Health. “They can also develop fluid buildup in the body that may not respond well to diuretics.”
The new procedure provides a much-needed alternative for people who are not eligible for traditional surgery. It is designed to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and potentially prevent the condition from progressing to heart failure.
UVA Health’s adoption of the procedure marks a major step forward in cardiovascular care for patients across Virginia.
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