Munster-based Powers Health is providing a new minimally invasive tool to treat a common heart valve condition.
On Aug. 25, the structural heart team at Community Hospital in Munster performed a transcatheter tricuspid edge-to-edge repair on two patients using TriClip. It is a minimally invasive treatment option for people with tricuspid regurgitation.
Tricuspid regurgitation is a condition in which the valve between the right ventricle and right atrium does not close properly. It allows blood to flow backward into the right atrium. Untreated, it may progress into other conditions, such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure.
“The TEER procedure with TriClip will benefit many patients, especially those who are not good candidates for open-heart surgery,” said Dr. Samer Abbas, Powers Health co-medical director of cardiovascular services and medical director of the Powers Health Structural Heart and Valve Clinic, in a press release.
During the procedure, the TriClip device is delivered to the heart via the femoral vein. When in place, it clips together a portion of tricuspid valve leaflets to reduce backward blood flow. Historically, patients have had two treatment options for tricuspid regurgitation – surgery or medical therapy.
“The TriClip device provides a much-needed treatment option for people suffering from this condition,” Dale O’Donnell, Powers Health vice president of cardiology services, said. “This minimally invasive approach allows the heart to pump blood more efficiently and relieve symptoms of tricuspid regurgitation.”
Powers Health is comprised of Community Hospital in Munster, St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart, Powers Health Rehabilitation Center in Crown Point and Hartsfield Village, a retirement community in Munster. The health care network is owned and operated by Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana.
