Mobile Infirmary Becomes First in Alabama to Perform EVOQUE Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement

MOBILE, Ala. — Mobile Infirmary, through the Infirmary Health Heart & Vascular Institute, continues to expand access to advanced cardiovascular care and innovative treatment options across the Gulf Coast.

Mina Jacob, M.D., cardiologist, and Mobile Infirmary’s structural heart team successfully completed Infirmary Health’s first EVOQUE Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement (TTVR), making Mobile Infirmary the first hospital in Alabama to offer this procedure for patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation.

Tricuspid regurgitation occurs when the tricuspid valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward through the heart. It can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs and abdomen, and a reduced quality of life. Treatment options have historically been limited, particularly for patients who are not candidates for open-heart surgery.

“The EVOQUE system is able to replace the native tricuspid valve, virtually eliminating tricuspid regurgitation in a wide range of patients,” said Dr. Jacob. “We see significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life, including reduced shortness of breath and improved ability to perform daily activities.”

The procedure was performed by a multidisciplinary team including anesthesiologist Jordan Friel, M.D., echocardiography specialists, catheterization lab staff, and cardiovascular support personnel.

Unlike traditional surgical valve replacement, the EVOQUE system is delivered via a minimally invasive catheter-based approach, allowing physicians to replace the diseased valve without open-heart surgery. This provides a new treatment option for patients who previously had limited alternatives.

This milestone reflects the continued growth of the Infirmary Health Heart & Vascular Institute and its commitment to bringing leading-edge cardiovascular therapies closer to home.

As the region’s leader in heart and vascular care, Infirmary Health remains committed to advancing innovative procedures, specialized expertise, and multidisciplinary collaboration to improve outcomes and enhance quality of life for patients across Alabama and the Gulf Coast.