Manatee Memorial Hospital Performs First Tricuspid Valve Replacement in Manatee County with Edwards EVOQUE™ Tricuspid System

Pictured L to R: Dr. Alessandro Golino, Dr. Gino Sedillo, Dr. S. Jay Mathews, Dr. Eugene Parent and MMH CEO Andy Guz

Manatee Memorial Hospital (MMH) proudly announces the completion of its first tricuspid valve replacement in Manatee County, the latest treatment option for patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation who are not candidates for traditional open-heart surgery. This minimally invasive procedure was successfully performed by the hospital's structural heart team, (Dr. Alessandro Golino, Dr. Gino Sedillo, Dr. Eugene Parent, and Dr. S. Jay Mathews) marking a major milestone in cardiac care for the community.

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) occurs when the heart's tricuspid valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the right atrium. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 1.6 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with this condition. While mild cases may cause few symptoms, moderate to severe TR can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, arrhythmias, enlargement of the right atrium, reduced blood flow to the lungs and liver dysfunction.

Traditionally, treatment for severe TR has required open-heart surgery, a demanding procedure that many patients, particularly elderly or medically frail individuals, are unable to tolerate. The Edwards EVOQUE Tricuspid Valve System represents a minimally invasive transformative option for patients previously deemed high risk for surgery. Delivered via a catheterization technique through a small incision, this minimally invasive approach avoids the trauma of open-heart surgery. Benefits include:

• Reduced recovery time and hospital length of stay
• Fewer surgical complications
• Immediate improvement in valve function and blood flow
• Broader treatment access for patients who otherwise would have no surgical options

"The ability to offer this advanced, less-invasive therapy here in Manatee County is a game-changer for our patients," said Andy Guz, CEO of Manatee Memorial Hospital. "It reflects our commitment to expanding access to premier cardiac care close to home and to adopting innovations that improve both quality of life and clinical outcomes."

This milestone brings advanced cardiac care closer to home, establishing Manatee Memorial as the first hospital in Manatee County to perform this procedure and reinforcing its role as a regional leader in cardiac innovation dedicated to serving local families.

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if minimally invasive surgery is right for you.