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AOU Federico II, tricuspid valve insufficiency performed first 2 scalpel-free surgeries in southern Italy

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For the first time in southern Italy, the first two transcatheter tricuspid valve implants without a scalpel have been successfully performed by the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Federico II in Naples. This is a very significant medical and technological achievement for the treatment of patients with severe tricuspid valve insufficiency, an often disabling heart disease for which, until now, there were no therapeutic alternatives in the most complex cases.

"This highly specialized procedure, practiced in only a few centers in Italy, involves the insertion of a biological valve through the femoral vein, without the need for open-heart surgery," explains Giovanni Esposito, director of the Department ofCardiovascular Sciences, Diagnostic Imaging and Time Dependent Network of Cardiovascular Emergencies at the Azienda Federiciana and coordinator of the multidisciplinary team that performed the two innovative surgeries -This is the only therapeutic option for patients at high surgical risk, who are excluded from both traditional surgery and other less invasive techniques."

Tricuspid insufficiency affects up to 2 to 3 percent of the adult population and has an increasing prevalence in older age groups. Also called tricuspid regurgitation, it is a condition in which the tricuspid valve, which is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle of the heart, does not close properly during heart contraction, allowing blood to reflux into the right atrium.

"This reflux can lead to a number of problems, including increased pressure in the veins and liver, and can cause symptoms such as fatigue, leg swelling and difficulty breathing," Esposito continues. "The condition is often associated with other chronic conditions and results in significant deterioration in quality of life due to the presence of disabling symptoms and the need for frequent hospitalizations.

Like all complex procedures, the innovative minimally invasive procedure required careful planning and the full collaboration of a multidisciplinary team. In addition to Professor Giovanni Esposito, Professors Carmen Spaccarotella and Anna Franzone, Drs. Federica Ilardi and Rachele Manzo, anesthesiologist Dr. Salvatore Meo, and the technical and nursing staff of the Hemodynamics Laboratory also contributed.

"Offering highly specialized interventions in the South," comments Esposito, "means guaranteeing patients excellent care without forcing them to travel to other regions. This is an achievement achieved through teamwork and sharing of expertise."

A concrete step forward in improving access to care in the South. Every year, thousands of patients in southern Italy are forced to move for treatment of complex diseases, with significant economic and social consequences.

"In recent years, we have been committed to reversing the course of healthcare migration, investing in technology, training and skills, to build a health system that is more equitable and close to people," stresses Director General Giuseppe Longo .


Written by Redazione c/o COINOR: redazionenews@unina.it  |  redazionesocial@unina.it