TTVR stands for Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement. It represents a significant advancement in treating issues affecting the heart's tricuspid valve.
Understanding TTVR
Based on the provided definition, Transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) is a minimally invasive medical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or malfunctioning tricuspid valve in the heart with an artificial valve.
This procedure offers a less invasive alternative to traditional open-heart surgery for patients needing a tricuspid valve replacement.
Key Components of TTVR
To break down the definition, TTVR involves several core elements:
- Transcatheter Approach: This indicates the procedure is performed using catheters threaded through blood vessels, typically from the leg, rather than requiring a large incision to access the heart directly. This aligns with the "minimally invasive" description.
- Tricuspid Valve: This is one of the heart's four valves. It is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle. Its function is to ensure blood flows in only one direction, from the atrium to the ventricle.
- Replacement: The procedure replaces the existing valve.
- Damaged or Malfunctioning Valve: TTVR is performed when the tricuspid valve is not working correctly, often due to conditions like regurgitation (leaking) or stenosis (narrowing).
- Artificial Valve: The damaged native valve is replaced with a manufactured valve designed to perform the same function.
In essence, TTVR is a specialized medical technique used to fix severe problems with the tricuspid valve without resorting to major surgery.
