The Relevance of Right Ventricular Function and Dimension in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Tricuspid Edge-to-Edge Repair.

BACKGROUND

Patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) often present with abnormal right ventricular (RV) function and dimensions.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of RV dysfunction and dilation on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER).

METHODS

Patients from the international EuroTR registry undergoing T-TEER between 2016 and 2023 at 20 heart valve centers across Europe were included. RV dysfunction was defined as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion <17 mm, and RV dilation was defined as RV mid-diameter >35 mm, determined on baseline echocardiography.

RESULTS

A total of 2,191 patients (mean age 78 ± 7 years, 53% [1,111 of 2,092] women) were analyzed. TR was successfully reduced to a severity grade of ≤2+ in 80% of patients (1,608 of 2,001). In multivariable analysis, significant predictors of mortality after T-TEER included RV dysfunction (HR: 1.05 per 1-mm tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion decrease; 95% CI: 1.03-1.08), RV dilation (HR: 1.02 per 1-mm RV mid-diameter increase; 95% CI: 1.00-1.03), and residual TR after T-TEER (HR: 1.70 for TR grade ≤2; 95% CI: 1.36-2.13). These parameters were also predictive of the combined endpoint of mortality and heart failure hospitalization. The worst prognosis was observed in patients exhibiting both RV dysfunction and dilation.

CONCLUSIONS

RV size and function, along with residual TR severity, were significant predictors of clinical outcomes, including all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization. Accordingly, early intervention to prevent RV dilation and dysfunction, as well as achieving maximal TR reduction, appears crucial for improving prognosis in patients undergoing T-TEER.