Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement With the Novel System: 1-Year Outcomes From the TRAVEL Study.

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) is emerging as a promising surgical alternative for high-risk patients with tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Nonetheless, the feasibility of more dedicated devices and the need for additional clinical evidence warrant further exploration.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to report the 1-year outcomes of the TRAVEL (Transcatheter Right Atrial-Ventricular Valve Replacement With LuX-Valve) study with the LuX-Valve system for patients with severe TR.

METHODS

A total of 126 patients with symptomatic severe TR were prospectively enrolled in the single-arm, multicenter TRAVEL study from June 2020 to August 2021. All patients underwent TTVR via the transatrial approach using the LuX-Valve system. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure at 1-year follow-up. Clinical and echocardiographic outcomes were reported.

RESULTS

At baseline, all enrolled patients (mean age 65.8 ± 7.5 years, 79.4% women) were at high surgical risk (mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 9.2% ± 4.4%), with severe or greater TR and NYHA functional class ≥ III. In 1-year follow-up, all-cause mortality was 10.3%, and 4.0% of patients were hospitalized for heart failure. TR was reduced to mild or less in 95.2% (P < 0.001), with decreases in right atrial systolic volume (-38.3 ± 21.7 mL; P < 0.001) and mid right ventricular end-systolic diameter (-6.4 ± 2.3 mm; P < 0.001). NYHA functional class I or II was achieved in 79.8% (P < 0.001), and 6-minute walking distance increased by 71.3 ± 42.8 m (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The 1-year outcomes of the TRAVEL study showed a sustained reduction in TR among patients who underwent LuX-Valve TTVR, accompanied by significant right heart reverse remodeling and improved functional status. Favorable procedural success and survival benefits were also demonstrated. (the TRAVEL Trial: Transcatheter Right Atrial-Ventricular Valve Replacement With LuX-Valve; NCT04436653).