Abbott launches trial of transcatheter tricuspid repair device

Abbott  recently declared that it enrolled the 1st patient in a clinical trial of a minimally invasive, clip-based transcatheter valve repair system for treating patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation, looking to eventually support CE Mark approval in the European Union.

Abbott said, "The transcatheter tricuspid valve repair system is built off of technology which has been tested with the company’s MitraClip system, designed to treat mitral valve regurgitation."

Dr. Georg Nickenig of Bonn, trial lead investigator, Germany’s University Hospital said, "Current pharmacological and surgical treatment options are not meeting the needs of people living with tricuspid regurgitation. Abbott’s MitraClip has shown positive results for mitral regurgitation, and we hope this study shows that a similar clip-based technology may effectively treat people with tricuspid regurgitation."

Dr. Charles Simonton, chief medical officer said, "As a leader in structural heart therapies, Abbott is exploring new ways to treat people with heart valve diseases. The investigational medical device that will be used in this study builds on years of learnings and knowledge using our clip-based device for treating mitral regurgitation. We look forward to the results of the trial to determine if this new minimally invasive technology has the potential to benefit people living with tricuspid regurgitation just as predictably."

Abbott said it is hopeful that the trial will support its application for CE Mark approval in the EU for the clip-based tricuspid valve repair system.