Penn State Health pioneers first EVOQUE tricuspid valve replacement in central Pennsylvania
First-of-its-kind minimally invasive heart valve replacement helps patients breathe easier, regain independence and improve their quality of life
Penn State Health continues to set the standard for advanced heart care, becoming the first health system in Central Pennsylvania to successfully implant the new Edwards EVOQUE tricuspid valve replacement system. The minimally invasive procedure, performed in April at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, marks another milestone for Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute’s leadership in delivering innovative, life-changing cardiac care.
The EVOQUE system is the first and only transcatheter therapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), a condition sometimes referred to as a “leaky valve.” In patients with TR, the tricuspid valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward and placing significant strain on the heart. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, swelling in the abdomen and ankles, abnormal heart rhythms, and if left untreated, can progress to heart failure or even sudden cardiac death.
“This procedure offers new hope to patients who previously had limited or no treatment options for tricuspid regurgitation,” said Dr. Mark Kozak, interventional cardiologist and structural heart physician at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. “The EVOQUE system allows us to replace the faulty valve without open-heart surgery, significantly improving symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue while enhancing patients’ quality of life.”
Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, the EVOQUE valve is implanted through a small incision in the groin, avoiding the need for a large chest incision. Made from bovine heart tissue, the valve is designed to eliminate backflow of blood into the heart. This minimally invasive approach allows patients to experience less pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recoveries.
“The introduction of this new therapy underscores Penn State Health’s commitment to bringing the latest advancements in heart care to our community,” said Dr. Moses Mathur, interventional cardiologist and structural heart physician at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. “It’s another example of how we’re leading the way in offering the most advanced, patient-centered treatments in Central Pennsylvania.”
As the region’s only locally based academic health system – backed by the research and clinical expertise of Penn State College of Medicine – Penn State Health remains at the forefront of cardiovascular innovation. It offers patients access to advanced technologies, nationally recognized clinical expertise and comprehensive team-based heart care.
Learn more about Advanced Heart Valve Treatments at Penn State Health
If you're having trouble accessing this content, or would like it in another format, please email Penn State Health Marketing & Communications.