Tampa General Pioneers Novel Heart Valve Procedure for tricuspid Regurgitation
Tampa — May 9, 2025 —
Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and USF Health made a meaningful advancement in cardiac care with a novel heart valve procedure for tricuspid regurgitation. In April 2025, TGH successfully completed the first procedure in Florida using the TricValve® system, offering hope to patients. This innovative approach addresses a critical need, and the advancements underscore the hospital’s commitment to cutting-edge medical treatments. Read on to learn more about this life-changing procedure.
Tampa General Pioneers Novel Heart Valve Procedure for Tricuspid Regurgitation
Tampa, Fla. – May 9, 2025 – Interventional structural cardiologists at Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and USF Health have achieved a significant milestone in cardiac care. In April 2025, they successfully completed the first procedure in Florida under the FDA Early Feasibility Study pathway for the TricValve® System.This groundbreaking procedure offers hope for patients with severe Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR), a life-threatening cardiac condition.
The Procedure and the Team
The procedure was performed by Dr. Hiram Bezerra, director of the TGH Minimally Invasive Valve program, director of the TGH interventional Cardiology Centre of Excellence, and professor at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, and Dr. Fadi Matar, Interventional Heart Failure program director, Cardiac Cath Lab medical director at the TGH Heart & Vascular Institute, and professor and chief of cardiology at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. This pioneering effort is part of the TRICAV 1 clinical study, spearheaded by the Internal Medicine clinical research team at the University of South Florida, aimed at evaluating the device for broader patient use.
The Significance of the TricValve® System
Tricuspid Regurgitation affects more than 1.6 million people in the U.S. It occurs when the tricuspid valve fails too close properly, causing blood to leak backward. This reduces blood flow, particularly to the lungs and extremities, and enlarges the heart’s lower right chamber. If left untreated, it can lead to heart failure. Patients with severe TR frequently enough face low survival rates,and many are ineligible for open-heart surgery,creating a critical gap in treatment options.
Did You Know?
Severe tricuspid regurgitation can substantially impact a patient’s quality of life, leading to fatigue, swelling, and shortness of breath.Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial.
The TricValve System® offers a minimally invasive choice. Interventional structural cardiologists implant this novel bicaval valve system into the inferior and superior venae cavae (IVC, SVC), the two large veins that return blood to the heart’s right atrium. This transcatheter technique avoids the risks of open surgery and reduces backward blood flow, providing significant symptom relief.
Leadership Perspective
Dr. Bezerra emphasized the importance of this advancement, stating, Cardiac disease remains the leading cause of death in America, with severe tricuspid regurgitation representing a significant, unmet medical need.
He further added, Tampa General is committed to constant innovation and assessment of therapeutic options that may provide a benefit over current standard of care treatments for our patients.
Dr. Matar highlighted the comprehensive cardiac care provided at Tampa General, noting, Tampa General’s Heart and Vascular Institute provides world class cardiac care, from simple procedures to groundbreaking interventions, to the Tampa community and beyond.
He also expressed gratitude for donor support, stating, We are grateful for the support of donors who allow us to pursue this work, and proud of our talented team members and world class facilities, who work to bring these concepts from the lab to the operating room.
The TRICAV 1 study
Dr. Bezerra is a principal investigator in the TRICAV 1 study, a multicenter clinical trial sponsored by P&F Products and Features, a global leader in cardiovascular medical technology. The study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the TricValve System* in improving clinical outcomes and symptoms in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation who are deemed unsuitable for surgery.
Pro Tip
Patients interested in learning more about the TRICAV 1 study or other innovative cardiac treatments at Tampa General Hospital should contact the TGH Heart & Vascular Institute directly.
The USF Department of Internal Medicine is leading the TRICAV 1 clinical trial at USF Health, demonstrating its commitment to innovative, interdisciplinary research that advances clinical care and medical knowledge. the department’s robust research infrastructure supports a diverse portfolio of high-impact studies, with national recognition for leadership in cardiovascular sciences.
Philanthropic Support
A generous donation from the McKibbon Family in support of the Interventional Cardiology center of Excellence’s Minimally Invasive Valve Program has been instrumental in establishing Tampa general’s leadership in tricuspid regurgitation. Prior to this first TRICAV 1 case, Tampa General has performed seven TricValve procedures since 2022, the highest number for any medical system in the U.S., under the compassionate use pathway. Patient access to this therapy has been facilitated through a TGH Foundation grant from the McKibbons. The overall goal of Tampa General’s minimally invasive valve program is to provide greater access to groundbreaking,lifesaving interventional procedures to more patients in the Tampa Bay area and beyond.
