Abbott's TriClip Reduces Heart Failure Hospitalization Risk

New clinical trial data shows significant benefits of transcatheter tricuspid valve repair system

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:03pm

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Abbott has announced positive results from its Tri.Fr clinical trial, which demonstrated a 48% reduction in heart failure hospitalization risk and a 44% reduction in major cardiovascular events when using the company's TriClip transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system compared to medical therapy alone. The TriClip system offers a minimally invasive option for patients with persistent tricuspid regurgitation who are not good candidates for open-heart surgery.

Why it matters

Tricuspid regurgitation is a common and serious condition that can lead to heart failure, but has historically been undertreated due to the risks of open-heart surgery. The TriClip system provides a less invasive alternative that can significantly improve outcomes for these patients, reducing costly and debilitating heart failure hospitalizations.

The details

The Tri.Fr study evaluated the TriClip TEER system, which is delivered through a vein in the leg to clip together a portion of the tricuspid valve leaflets and help restore normal blood flow. This builds on the success of Abbott's MitraClip device for mitral regurgitation, leveraging a similar clip-based technology designed specifically for the tricuspid valve's complex anatomy.

  • The TriClip system received FDA approval in April 2024.
  • The Tri.Fr study results were presented at ACC 2026 in New Orleans.

The players

Abbott

A global healthcare company that develops medical devices, diagnostic tools, nutritional products and branded generic pharmaceuticals.

TriClip

Abbott's transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system for treating tricuspid regurgitation, a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery.

Tri.Fr

A clinical trial conducted by Abbott evaluating the TriClip TEER system, which demonstrated significant reductions in heart failure hospitalization and major cardiovascular events compared to medical therapy.

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What’s next

Abbott plans to continue studying the long-term benefits of the TriClip system and seek expanded indications to make the technology available to more patients with tricuspid regurgitation.

The takeaway

The TriClip system represents an important advancement in the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation, providing a less invasive option that can dramatically improve outcomes for patients at high risk of heart failure. This technology has the potential to transform care for a historically underserved patient population.