EVOQUE Procedure
EVOQUE Tricuspid Valve Replacement
The Structural Heart Program at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) is proud to be the first in our region to offer the groundbreaking EVOQUE Tricuspid Valve Replacement System. This minimally invasive procedure provides a life-changing option for patients suffering from severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), without the need for open-heart surgery.
What is Tricuspid Regurgitation?
Tricuspid regurgitation, or TR, occurs when the tricuspid valve in the heart does not close tightly. This allows blood to flow backward into the right atrium, making it harder for the heart to pump efficiently. Over time, TR can lead to heart enlargement, rhythm problems and even heart failure. Think of it like a door that won’t shut all the way, allowing blood to leak backward every time the heart beats.
Common symptoms of TR include:
- Fatigue and decreased stamina
- Swelling in the legs, ankles or abdomen
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen
- Irregular heart rhythms
If left untreated, TR can significantly impact your quality of life and lead to serious health complications. Fortunately, repairing or replacing the valve can restore proper blood flow and ease your symptoms.
What is the EVOQUE Procedure for Tricuspid Valve Repair?
The EVOQUE system is a revolutionary transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement option that allows our Structural Heart Team to replace a damaged valve through a small catheter, typically inserted through a vein in your groin. Once positioned in the heart, the new valve immediately begins working to prevent blood from leaking backward, relieving strain on your heart.
Patients often experience rapid improvement in breathing, energy levels, and overall well-being following the procedure — without the recovery time required for traditional surgery.
Who is Eligible?
You may be a candidate for the EVOQUE Tricuspid Valve Replacement if:
- You have been diagnosed with moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation
- You are experiencing symptoms due to TR
- You are considered too high-risk for traditional open-heart surgery
- You have not responded well to medication or other treatments
Your cardiologist can help determine whether this minimally invasive option is right for you. If you need this procedure, you can rest assured knowing that TMH is the best hospital for valve repair in North Florida and South Georgia.
How to Get a Referral for Minimally Invasive Valve Repair
To explore whether the EVOQUE procedure is a good fit for your condition, we’d like to evaluate you through our Valve Clinic at TMH Physician Partners, Services by Southern Medical Group. A referral from a primary care physician or cardiologist may be necessary.
Have questions or want to learn more? Contact our Valve Clinic Coordinator at 850-431-7397, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 am to 4 pm.
