Karolinska University Hospital is the first in the Nordic countries to offer a new technique for interventions in cases of leaky heart valves

Karolinska is the first in the Nordic countries to use a tricuspid prosthesis for transcatheter use. The operation took two hours and was performed through the inguinal vein without complications and with good results.

Tricuspid valve leakage is a common heart problem. Many patients with this valve defect suffer from swelling of the legs, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Treatment options have been limited so far. Only a small number of patients are suitable for heart surgery and medical treatment consists only of fluids.

In recent years, Karolinska has built the largest operation in the Nordic region for transcatheter tricuspid valve repair with good results. However, not all valves are suitable for repair, which is why the use of a catheter-portable prosthesis is long overdue.

– Tricuspid prostheses without open surgery provide an improved quality of life for those patients whom we could not help before. We have built a strong team with great experience, not only the operators but also, for example, the doctors specializing in ultrasound, which is crucial during these procedures. That's why we were able to start early with these advanced interventions, says Andreas Ruck, chief physician at the Cardiology Medical Unit at Karolinska University Hospital.

Karolinska performs the largest and most comprehensive heart valve surgery in Sweden. Approximately 600 heart valve operations and 600 transcatheter heart valve interventions are performed annually.

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Karolinska University Hospital is one of the largest hospitals in Europe, and together with Karolinska Institute we are leading the medical development in Sweden. For us, healthcare, research and education are equally important parts of the work to expand and improve people's lives. Visit Karolinska University Hospital website: www.karolinska.se