Apollo Hospital, Chennai proudly announces a landmark achievement in Cardiology with the successful completion of the first-ever TRIC valve implantation in India in a patient with 2 existing prosthetic valves. This groundbreaking procedure offers a lifesaving alternative for patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation who are at high risk for traditional surgery. With this procedure, the patient acquired 4 prosthetic valves in his cardio-vascular system which is the first time in India.
The recipient, a 71-year-old male with a complex history of cardiovascular issues including diabetes, hypertension, and previous 2 heart valve replacements (one open surgical and one TAVI valve done by us few months ago), presented with symptoms that significantly reduced his quality of life. Traditional surgery posed too great a risk due to his frail condition and multiple comorbidities.
Apollo’s Chennai team, led by Dr. Refai Showkathali, Senior Consultant, Interventional Cardiology, opted for the pinhole (minimally invasive) TRIC valve approach. This innovative technique involves placing bioprosthetic valves in the major veins leading to the heart via a small pinhole procedure in the groin, significantly reducing surgical risks and recovery time.
Upon careful evaluation, the team successfully implanted the TRIC valve system, which immediately improved the patient’s cardiac function. The procedure is a new option for high-risk patients who cannot tolerate open heart surgery. It uses two collapsible valves inserted through catheters in the groin. One valve goes in the large vein above the heart (superior vena cava), the other in the large vein below (inferior vena cava), helping reduce the backward flow of blood and easing the strain on the heart.
Dr. Refai Showkathali, Senior Consultant, Interventional Cardiology, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai said, “The successful implementation of the TRIC valve at Apollo marks a significant advancement in cardiac care, not just for our hospital but for India. We have observed a remarkable procedural success rate with no deaths or conversions to open-heart surgery within the first 30 days post-operation. Compared to traditional open-heart surgery, the TRIC valve procedure allows for quicker recovery times and less discomfort, enabling patients to return to their daily activities much faster. This innovative treatment has led to significant improvements in patients’ quality of life and functional capacity, marking a major step forward in treating high-risk cardiac patients more safely and effectively.”
The specific benefits of using the TRIC valve include:
- Minimally invasive: Reduces the risk of infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding tissues.
- No anaesthesia needed: done under local anaesthesia.
- Fewer complications: Lower risk of complications like pneumonia, blood clots, and breathing problems compared to open-heart surgery.
- Faster recovery: Patients typically experience quicker recovery times, meaning shorter hospital stays and a faster return to daily activities.
- Less pain and reduced risk of long-term complications: Due to pinhole access and faster healing, patients generally experience less pain and are less likely to develop long-term complications.
Post-operative assessments showed substantial improvement in heart performance and a significant reduction in symptoms, paving the way for a quicker and less painful recovery.
The success of this first TRIC valve procedure in India highlights Apollo Hospital’s leadership in adopting and mastering cutting-edge medical technologies. It not only offers new hope for patients with severe cardiac conditions but also sets a new standard in the treatment possibilities available in India.
