Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Repair
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 4, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVR):
TTVR is a procedure to repair a damaged or diseased tricuspid valve. Your valve may need to be replaced if your condition is severe.
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How to prepare for TTVR:
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your procedure. Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
- Tell your provider about all medicines you currently take. Your provider will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the procedure, and when to stop. Your provider will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your procedure.
- Tell your provider about any allergies you have, including to anesthesia or medicines. You may be given an antibiotic to help prevent a bacterial infection.
- You may need an echocardiogram (echo), EKG, or CT before your procedure. These tests will help your provider plan for your repair. Your provider may also use an echo during the procedure to check the valve and valve leaflets. Leaflets are flaps of tissue that should prevent blood from flowing backward through the valve.
What will happen during TTVR:
- You will be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during the procedure. Your provider will insert a catheter into a vein in your groin. The catheter will be guided to your heart. Your provider will repair your valve through the catheter.
- The catheter will be used to place a device, such as a clip, to repair the valve and decrease leakage. If your valve needs to be replaced, your provider may use a mechanical or tissue valve. A mechanical valve is made of strong materials. A tissue valve is made of tissue from an animal, such as a cow or pig.
- Your provider will check the blood flow through your valve. When the valve is working properly, your provider will remove the catheter. The catheter site will be closed with stitches and covered with a bandage.
What to expect after TTVR:
- You will be taken to a recovery room until you are fully awake. Healthcare providers will monitor you closely for any problems. You may need to stay in the hospital overnight, depending on your condition.
- You may need to lie flat for a few hours after your procedure to protect the catheter site. Talk to healthcare providers before you get up the first time. They may need to help you stand up safely.
Risks of TTVR:
You may bleed more than expected or develop an infection. Parts of your heart may be damaged during the procedure. Your repaired valve may stop working. You may need another procedure or surgery to fix or replace the valve. If a clip device was used, it may move out of place. The clip may not work properly, or it may stop working properly later. Your symptoms may return. You may develop heart failure. You may develop a blood clot or an irregular heartbeat. These can be life-threatening.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US), or have someone call if:
- You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
- Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
- You may also have any of the following:
- Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
- You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
- Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
- Weakness in an arm or leg
- Confusion or difficulty speaking
- Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
Related medications
Seek care immediately if:
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- Your heart is beating faster or slower than usual.
- Your stitches come apart.
- Your catheter site has new or worsening bruising or swelling.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
- Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
- Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
- Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
- Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip a dose or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for the catheter site as directed:
Do not get the site wet until your healthcare provider says it is okay. When it is okay to bathe, do not scrub the area. Just let water run over it. Dry the area and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. Do not put powders or lotions over your catheter site. Check the area every day for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or pus.
Self-care:
- Follow activity instructions. Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds or do vigorous activities. Ask your provider which activities are safe for you to do. Also ask when you can return to your normal activities and work or school.
- Take medicines as directed. You may need to take a blood thinner after your procedure. Your provider will tell you how long you need this medicine. Tell healthcare providers if you have a replacement valve. You may need to take antibiotics before certain procedures, such as dental cleanings.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung and heart damage. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.
- Limit or do not drink alcohol. Ask your provider if it is okay for you to drink alcohol. Alcohol can increase your risk for high blood pressure, liver problems, and coronary artery disease. Your provider will tell you how many drinks are okay to have within 24 hours or within 1 week. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.
- Eat heart-healthy foods. You may need to eat foods that are low in salt, fat, or cholesterol. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Ask your provider for more information about a heart-healthy diet.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
You will need regular tests to check your valve. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visit.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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