Efficacy of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for cardiac implantable electronic device-associated tricuspid regurgitation: insights from the TRI-SPA registry

Abstract

Introduction and objectives

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and clinical outcomes of tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs).

Methods

This subanalysis of the Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Repair in Spain (TRI-SPA) registry included patients with at least severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) who were treated with T-TEER between June 2020 and May 2023 in Spain. Patients with CIEDs and no or mild tricuspid lead-leaflet interaction were compared with those without CIEDs. The primary composite endpoint was all-cause mortality, heart failure-related hospitalization, and tricuspid valve reintervention at 12 months.

Results

Among 310 patients (mean age 75.5 ± 9.1 years, 70% female) with significant TR treated with T-TEER, 35 (11%) had CIEDs. Device implantation success was high in both groups (97.1% in the CIED group vs 96.4% in the non-CIED group, P = .81), with a similar rate of ≤ 2+ residual TR (84.9% in the CIED group vs 91.0% in the non-CIED group, P = .26). Patients with CIEDs experienced comparable rates of the primary composite endpoint to the non-CIED group (23.8% vs 19.1%, respectively, HR, 1.40; 95%CI, 0.60-3.31; P = .44), sustained successful TR reduction (≤ 2+ in 55.0% vs 73.8%, P = .07), and functional improvement (NYHA class I/II 81.8% vs 79.9%, P = .79).

Conclusions

In a real-world setting, T-TEER seems to be an effective therapeutic option for selected patients with more than moderate TR and CIEDs with no or mild lead-leaflet interaction, offering comparable cardiovascular outcomes and clinical improvement to those without leads. However, the presence of CIEDs may represent an independent risk factor for TR recurrence.