Tampa General Hospital Makes History with First TricValve® Procedure in Florida for Heart Patients

In a significant advancement for cardiac care, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and USF Health have proudly performed the first TricValve® procedure in Florida, recently completed under the FDA Early Feasibility Study pathway. This groundbreaking intervention took place in April 2025 and involved a patient suffering from severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), a critical heart condition that presents severe health risks. The procedure is a landmark achievement for TGH’s minimally invasive valve program, contributing to innovative treatment options aimed at alleviating this life-threatening condition.

Led by renowned experts Dr. Hiram Bezerra and Dr. Fadi Matar, the procedure is part of the TRICAV 1 clinical study designed to assess the safety and efficacy of the TricValve® system for patients who are unsuitable for traditional surgical interventions. Dr. Bezerra, who serves as the director of TGH's Minimally Invasive Valve program, emphasized the urgency associated with cardiac diseases, highlighting that severe tricuspid regurgitation represents a critical, unmet medical need. Over 1.6 million people in the United States are affected by this condition, characterized by the backward leakage of blood through the tricuspid valve, which may lead to heart failure if untreated.

The procedure itself employs a minimally invasive approach, utilizing a transcatheter to implant the TricValve system within two major veins that play a key role in returning blood to the heart. This technique significantly reduces the risks associated with open-heart surgery while effectively mitigating the severe symptoms of tricuspid regurgitation. Dr. Matar remarked on the pivotal role of Tampa General's Heart and Vascular Institute in delivering world-class cardiac care and expressed gratitude towards the community and supporters who make such revolutionary procedures possible.

Funded by a generous donation from the McKibbon Family, the development of the Interventional Cardiology Center of Excellence at TGH has readied the hospital as a leader in treating tricuspid regurgitation. This first-in-Florida procedure follows successful use of the TricValve system in seven cases since 2022, which were facilitated under compassionate use if patients were at too high a risk for traditional surgical options. The overall goal of the minimally invasive valve program at TGH is to enhance access to pioneering, life-saving procedures for patients both within the Tampa Bay area and beyond.

Tampa General Hospital is recognized not just for its surgical innovations but also for providing extensive community support through its commitment to healthcare access. In the 2023 fiscal year, TGH demonstrated its dedication to serving all patients, regardless of their financial situations, contributing an impressive net community benefit. With its cutting-edge technologies, TGH continues to be at the forefront of cardiac care, earning accolades for exceptional outcomes and strong community engagement.

As the first to conduct the TricValve procedure in Florida, Tampa General Hospital signifies a monumental step in medical treatment for serious cardiac conditions, and the institution's commitment to advancing patient care through innovative research remains strong. The long-term vision encompasses broadening the horizons of accessible cardiac care, promising hope for countless individuals facing challenging health battles.

Topics Health)

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