Safety concerns

The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of implanting an Edwards Sapien XT Valve into the vena cava inferior (VCI; between right atrium and the hepatic vein) on clinical variables, exercise tolerance and well being in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation and signs of right heart failure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Severe symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation with a significant regurgitation jet into the caval and hepatic veins
• Optimal medical treatment
• High surgical risk with STS Score ≥ 10 or logistic EuroSCORE I ≥ 15 or any contraindication for conventional valve replacement/repair
• NYHA class of at least II
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• VCI diameter > 32 mm
• Severe left ventricular dysfunction with LVEF < 30%
• Severe mitral insufficiency
• Estimated life expectancy < 12months (360 days) due to carcinoma, chronic liver disease, chronic renal disease or chronic end stage pulmonary disease
• Evidence of an acute myocardial infarction ≤ 1 month before the intended treatment
• Evidence of stroke / TIA during the last 180 days
• Leukopenia (WBC < 3000 cell/mL), anemia (Hgb < 9 g/dL), Thrombocytopenia (Plt < 50,000 cells/mL), or any known blood clotting disorder
• Evidence of an intracardiac mass, thrombus or vegetation
• Active upper GI bleeding within 1 month (30 days) prior to procedure
• Patients with an acute emergency
• Contraindication or hypersensitivity to all anticoagulation regimens, or inability to be anticoagulated for the study procedure
• Allergy against the use of implanted stent / prosthesis
• Patient undergoing regular dialysis or a serum creatinine above 3.0 mg/dl
• Patients unsuitable for implantation because of thrombosis of the lower venous system or vena cava filter
• Active bacterial endocarditis within 6 months (180 days) of procedure.
• Women of childbearing potential without highly effective contraception (PEARL-Index < 1%)
• Inability to comply with all of the study procedures and follow-up visits
• Subjects who are legally detained in an official institute (according to § 20 MPG)