Transcatheter tricuspid valve implantation with LuX-Valve utilizing a novel patient-specific virtual and physical simulator: a case report

Background The rise of transcatheter tricuspid valve implantation (TTVI) therapies represents a major advancement for high-risk patients with severe tricuspid valve regurgitation, offering a safer, minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery. However, the low volume of procedures and training highlights an urgent need for skills development and pre-procedural preparation, which simulation can address by enhancing learning and expanding treatment availability.

Case summary An 87-year-old woman with permanent atrial fibrillation and symptomatic severe functional tricuspid regurgitation underwent a transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement with the LuX-Valve system. We developed a novel patient-specific virtual reality simulator, combining virtual and physical simulations, to enhance training and education for TTVI. This system utilizes high-resolution computed tomography images, machine learning algorithms, and a video game engine to recreate realistic procedural environments. We performed a safe intervention following the simulation session, achieving successful clinical outcomes in the patient.

Discussion The developed platform is the first to propose a patient-specific hybrid simulation for TTVI engaging both interventional and imaging cardiologists. The simulator's potential to improve clinical and safety outcomes warrants further evaluation through specifically designed comparative studies.

Mots clés

case report; learning; patient-specific; simulator; tricuspid regurgitation