New minimally invasive treatment means patients in southeastern Ontario can access advanced cardiac care closer to home
Kingston Health Sciences Centre has successfully completed its first Tricuspid valve Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair, or T-TEER, marking a major step forward for cardiac care in southeastern Ontario.
The minimally invasive procedure uses a small clip to repair a leaking tricuspid heart valve without the need for open-heart surgery.
Interventional cardiologist Dr. Wael Abuzeid explains more.
Dr. Abuzeid said the new option is especially important for older and frail patients who may not be suitable candidates for traditional surgery.
The procedure was also the first at KHSC to use four-dimensional intracardiac echocardiography, providing real-time images that help physicians perform the repair with greater precision.
Heart surgeon Dr. Carolyn Teng said patients face less risk and often recover much faster than with conventional surgery, with many returning home the next day.
The Ontario Ministry of Health recently approved funding for the program, and KHSC expects to perform about 10 procedures during its first year. Hospital officials say the addition of TriClip builds on existing minimally invasive treatments and strengthens Kingston’s position as a regional leader in advanced cardiac care.
Story by Alyssa Brush
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