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Comparative efficacy and safety of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair versus tricuspid valve replacement versus optimal medical therapy in moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Veettil INK, Jamandlamudi A, Khader NA, Shehu T, Lacej D, Jha S, Mayowa O, Zumba J et al.

Journal of cardiothoracic surgery, 2026

1,050 participants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with substantial morbidity and increased mortality. Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) and transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) have emerged as less-invasive options for patients remaining symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy (OMT). We conducted a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TEER and TTVR versus OMT.

METHODS: Three RCTs were included after systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and ScienceDirect (inception to December 2025). A frequentist network meta-analysis (random-effects) was performed in R. A Bayesian NMA with vague priors was conducted in parallel to obtain posterior rank probabilities and SUCRA values. Relative effects were translated into absolute risk differences and number-needed-to-treat (NNT) / number-needed-to-harm (NNH) using pooled OMT baseline event rates, with 95% CIs via parametric bootstrap.

RESULTS: The network comprised 1,050 patients (star-shaped, OMT common comparator; no direct TEER-TTVR comparison). Neither TEER (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.56-1.76) nor TTVR (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.51-1.41) significantly reduced all-cause mortality. Both interventions improved NYHA class ≥ 1 class (TEER RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.30-1.64, NNT 8; TTVR RR 3.28, 95% CI 2.41-4.47, NNT 2), KCCQ-OS (TEER MD + 11.00, 95% CI 7.46-14.54; TTVR MD + 17.80, 95% CI 12.78-22.82; both exceeding the 5-point MCID with ≥ 95% confidence), and 6MWD (TEER…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,050 participants or records.

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