Penn State Health has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first health system in Central Pennsylvania to successfully implant the Edwards EVOQUE tricuspid valve replacement system. This minimally invasive procedure was performed at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, highlighting the institute’s commitment to advanced cardiac care.
The EVOQUE system is notable for being the first transcatheter therapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), commonly known as a “leaky valve.” This condition occurs when the tricuspid valve fails to close properly, causing blood to flow backward and strain the heart. Symptoms include shortness of breath, swelling, abnormal heart rhythms, and potentially leading to heart failure or sudden cardiac death if untreated.
Dr. Mark Kozak, an interventional cardiologist at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, stated, “This procedure offers new hope to patients who previously had limited or no treatment options for tricuspid regurgitation.” He added that the EVOQUE system allows for valve replacement without open-heart surgery, improving symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue while enhancing patients’ quality of life.
The EVOQUE valve is implanted through a small incision in the groin rather than a large chest incision. Constructed from bovine heart tissue, it aims to prevent backflow into the heart. This approach results in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recoveries for patients.
Dr. Moses Mathur emphasized Penn State Health’s dedication to advancing heart care by stating, “The introduction of this new therapy underscores Penn State Health’s commitment to bringing the latest advancements in heart care to our community.”
As Central Pennsylvania’s only locally based academic health system supported by Penn State College of Medicine’s research and clinical expertise, Penn State Health continues to lead in cardiovascular innovation with access to advanced technologies and comprehensive team-based care.
