TMH Performs First EVOQUE Tricuspid Valve Replacement In North Florida

TMH Cardiologists Now Offering Safer, Minimally Invasive Option for Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) has taken a major step forward in advancing cardiovascular care by becoming the first hospital within a 100-mile radius to offer the EVOQUE Tricuspid Valve Replacement System—a groundbreaking, minimally invasive option for patients suffering from severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR).

This FDA-approved therapy now gives hope to a population of patients who, until recently, had few or no treatment options due to the complexity and risks associated with open-heart surgery.

"The tricuspid valve has long been an area where we had limited solutions," said Thomas E. Noel, MD, Interventional Cardiologist at TMH. "These patients—many of whom are older and too high-risk for surgery—simply didn’t have many viable treatments. EVOQUE changes that."

Tricuspid regurgitation occurs when the valve between the right atrium and right ventricle does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward and putting strain on the heart. Over time, this can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, swelling in the legs (edema), congestion and eventually, right-side heart failure.

“When it gets to that point—right-side heart failure— it really impacts quality of life. But until now, there weren’t many minimally invasive strategies to address the tricuspid valve,” Dr. Noel explained. 

Traditional surgical options for TR carry high risk, especially in older adults with existing right-side heart failure. EVOQUE represents a safer, catheter-based approach that eliminates the need for open-heart surgery.

How EVOQUE Works

The EVOQUE system is a bioprosthetic valve made from bovine pericardium. The device is implanted through a catheter inserted into the groin—no chest incision is required. Most patients can return home within one to two days following the procedure.

“It’s a true valve replacement,” said Dr. Noel. “Other strategies like edge-to-edge repair, which clip the valve leaflets together to reduce regurgitation, are effective for some patients, but EVOQUE provides an option to replace the entire valve. That’s a big deal.”

Patients also benefit from a reduced need for long-term blood thinners. EVOQUE typically only requires six months of anticoagulation therapy, compared to a lifetime commitment for mechanical valves.

EVOQUE Improves Quality of Life for Older Patients

Clinical trials of the EVOQUE system have shown dramatic improvements in patient symptoms and quality of life.

“We’re able to take on a much older, frailer patient population with this therapy,” Dr. Noel emphasized. “The real benefit we see is in how patients feel—less shortness of breath, more energy, better quality of life. That’s why we’re so excited to bring this to our community.”

Continued Innovation at TMH

TMH now joins a select group of hospitals nationwide capable of offering this advanced therapy.

“We’re proud to be leading the region in bringing advanced cardiac therapies like EVOQUE to our community,” said Daniel Cavallo, Assistant Vice President, Service Lines & Allied Health at TMH. “This innovation reflects our commitment to offering the highest level of care and improving outcomes for patients who need it most.”

Patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation who are interested in EVOQUE or other advanced valve therapies can be evaluated at the Valve Clinic at TMH Physician Partners, Services by Southern Medical Group. A referral from a primary care physician or cardiologist may be necessary. To learn more, visit TMH.ORG/EVOQUE.