For the first time, a team of Switzerland-based cardiologists and surgeons successfully used new catheter technology to repair a leaky tricuspid valve. Francesco Maisano, MD, led the University Hospital Zurich team who used the Cardioband method.
The minimally invasive procedure involves placing the Cardioband around the valve opening with the help of a catheter, secured with small anchors and tightened using a wire until the valve closes fully again. The Cardioband method gives leaky tricuspid valve patients an alternative to traditional open heart surgery using a heart-lung machine. Dr. Maisano was instrumental in developing the Cardioband.
"As tricuspid insufficiency often arises as a consequence of diseases of the mitral valve, open heart procedures are a risky surgical intervention," said Dr. Maisano in a statement. "The Cardioband is a minimally invasive therapy which does not require the use of a heart-lung machine, reducing the impact on the patient and lowering the risk. Now, even patients previously thought to be inoperable can be treated."