Cookeville Regional Completes First Tricuspid Valve Repair

The structural team at Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) recently completed the first successful percutaneous tricuspid valve repair. Dr. Carlos Podesta, interventional cardiologist, and Karli Qualls, physician assistant and structural heart coordinator, view this procedure as a huge milestone to the cardiac care offered at CRMC.

Dr. Podesta stated, “We are very excited to have this here at CRMC. This is the first time a transcatheter tricuspid intervention has been done in Cookeville. This is a major win for our structural heart program, the hospital and the community, and a step in the right direction. We’re very proud of our structural team and cath lab staff who were involved with the care of the patient.”

Until recently, the general course of treatment for damaged tricuspid valves was medical therapy alone which was not always effective. Dr. Podesta sees the ability to offer tricuspid interventions as a step forward in patient care and outcomes.

“In the past, the tricuspid valve was called ‘The Forgotten Valve’ because there were not many procedures done to address damaged valves. But that has changed dramatically in the last year. ” This procedure will improve quality of life for patients and I’m so excited to offer it here at CRMC.”

Patients may qualify for this procedure if they have severe tricuspid regurgitation with symptoms or congestive heart failure. A screening can be performed by the structural heart team to see if a patient is a candidate.

For more information visit www.crmchealth.org/structural-heart-care.