The structural heart disease team at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) is now treating patients with leaking tricuspid heart valves using two new devices.
For years, treatment for tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was limited. Patients received medication or underwent open-heart surgery. Both options came with limitations and risks.
Now, doctors are using the TriClip™ transcatheter edge-to-edge repair system (TEER) and the EVOQUE transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement system (TTVR). These devices give patients a new, less invasive path to relief.
Bonnie Smith, 69, of Spring Lake Heights, NJ, received a TriClip.
“I’m thrilled I was able to receive this minimally invasive procedure and device at my families’ local hospital Jersey Shore,” said Smith. “I didn’t have a long stay at the medical center, and I’m already feeling like a new person.”
Smith had common symptoms of TR: shortness of breath, swelling, and fatigue.
“Bonnie was experiencing the common, exceedingly debilitating symptoms of a leaking tricuspid heart valve; shortness of breath, swelling, and fatigue,” said Dr. Matthew Saybolt, medical director of the Structural Heart Disease Program at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “Fortunately, she was a good candidate for TriClip, and now has a much better quality of life, and avoids worsening heart conditions that would endanger her health.”
TR occurs when the tricuspid valve doesn’t close properly. Blood flows backward into the right atrium. The condition can lead to atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and even death.
Surgery is rarely used because of the risks. Medication doesn’t reduce the leakage. These new devices fill a major treatment gap.
The TriClip and EVOQUE devices are placed using a catheter through a vein in the leg. The approach avoids open surgery. It targets the right side of the heart, where TR occurs.
“As one of New Jersey’s leading providers of cardiovascular care, I’m extremely happy that we are able to provide our community with the latest, most advanced heart care techniques, from world-class experts,” said Vito Buccellato, president and chief hospital executive at JSUMC.
Hackensack Meridian Health was an early adopter of the TriClip and EVOQUE devices. The Hackensack University Medical Center team took part in national clinical trials.
Jersey Shore’s new cardiovascular services suite, opened in December, now supports these advanced procedures.
“Leading-edge structural, interventional, and diagnostic heart and vascular procedures are now provided in Jersey Shore’s new technologically advanced cardiovascular services suite, which opened this past December,” said Dr. Kenneth N. Sable, regional president, Southern Market, Hackensack Meridian Health.
“It’s an ideal practice space for our expert cardiologists, nurses, and other staff, and a centralized, convenient environment for our patients and their families,” he added.
The $45 million suite includes four catheterization labs, four EP labs, two hybrid operating rooms, and a 28-bay patient prep and recovery area. It nearly triples the center’s previous cardiovascular capacity.
For more information, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/heartcare. To schedule screening tests or get a physician referral, call 844-HMH-WELL.
Hackensack University Medical Center has earned the distinction of being the best Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery program in NJ from U.S. News & World Report, 2025. Our hospitals are also ranked as High Performing in the U.S. in several areas of care, including Heart Attack, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair, Aortic Valve Surgery, Heart Bypass Surgery and Heart Failure.