(Vienna, 20-05-2025) For the first time in Austria, a particularly complex heart valve procedure has been successfully performed at the University Hospital Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna - another milestone in interventional heart valve therapy. An interdisciplinary team of experts used a new, minimally invasive method on a patient with severe tricuspid regurgitation and achieved a lasting improvement. This procedure has only been performed a few times worldwide. This advance opens up new perspectives for patients with valve diseases that were previously difficult to treat.
With this new, particularly gentle method, the University Hospital Vienna and the MedUni Vienna are expanding their range of specialized treatments and have also been able to effectively help a patient with a challenging anatomical situation. The patient had previously been treated several times with so-called TEER clips (transcatheter edge-to-edge repair) - a catheter-based procedure in which the heart valve leaflets are brought together with clips to reduce leaks. Nevertheless, massive tricuspid regurgitation occurred again. This was aggravated by two pacemaker electrodes, which further restricted the space and mobility in the area of the valve. In order to create the conditions for successful valve implantation, the interdisciplinary heart team decided on an innovative procedure: The fused valve leaflets were specifically separated using high-frequency current, creating the necessary space for the implantation of the new valve.
Minimally invasive valve replacement with excellent results
The tricuspid valve was then replaced, all via a single access in the groin. The procedure went without complications, the patient recovered quickly and was discharged just a few days later in excellent general condition and with optimal valve results. "This minimally invasive and innovative strategy opens up new possibilities for patients for whom established procedures have not been successful," emphasizes Philipp Bartko from the Clinical Division of Cardiology.
Christian Hengstenberg, Head of the Clinical Division of Cardiology, underlines the importance of the interdisciplinary approach: "The fact that our heart team - consisting of experts in cardiology, cardiac surgery, anaesthesia, radiology and specialized care - was the first institution in Austria to successfully perform this highly complex procedure underlines the innovative strength and importance of interdisciplinary cooperation at the University Hospital Vienna and the MedUni Vienna
Expansion of the specialized therapy portfolio
The procedure is further proof of the consistent further development of the highly specialized range of therapies on offer at Vienna General Hospital. "The close integration of interventional and surgical methods and the pooling of our expertise at Vienna General Hospital and MedUni Vienna make it possible to find an individually tailored therapy for all patients," Daniel Zimpfer, Head of the Department of Cardiac and Thoracic Aortic Surgery, and Iuliana Coti, also from the Department of Cardiac and Thoracic Aortic Surgery, emphasize the importance of the joint approach.
The University Hospital Vienna and the MedUni Vienna already offer a wide range of state-of-the-art procedures for treating the tricuspid valve - from catheter-based repair techniques to implantation and surgical replacement procedures. The current procedure represents a further significant advance that underpins and sustainably strengthens the leading role of the University Hospital Vienna and MedUni Vienna in interventional cardiac medicine.