Piedmont Augusta patient finds renewed quality of life after advanced heart valve procedure
Published: June 29, 2026
Augusta, Ga. (June 29, 2026) - When 83-year-old Carol Wittkamp began experiencing persistent nausea, dizziness, swelling, weight loss and loss of appetite, she knew something was wrong. What she did not know was that the symptoms were connected to severe tricuspid regurgitation, a heart valve condition that occurs when the tricuspid valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward in the heart.
After being evaluated through Piedmont Heart Augusta, Wittkamp was referred to Charlene Rohm, M.D., an interventional cardiologist specializing in valvular and structural heart care. On April 27, Wittkamp underwent a transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement at Piedmont Augusta.
The minimally invasive procedure uses the EVOQUE transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement system, an FDA-approved therapy designed to replace the native tricuspid valve and significantly reduce regurgitation in appropriate patients. The device is delivered through a transfemoral approach, avoiding the need for open-heart surgery for eligible patients.
“Many patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation experience life-limiting symptoms and previously had few treatment options,” Rohm said. “Offering this therapy locally allows patients to receive advanced care close to home.”
For Wittkamp, the procedure marked a turning point. A follow-up echo in May showed no residual tricuspid regurgitation.
“I have had not one day of foot swelling. It’s like it never existed,” Wittkamp said. “My color has changed. My voice has even changed. I had all kinds of bruises on my legs because the blood was backing up in my body, and those are gone. It just goes on and on in terms of my recovery, and that of course is a tribute to Dr. Rohm and the team.”
Wittkamp began cardiac rehab in June and is continuing to build strength. She said she is grateful for the care she received from Rohm and the Piedmont Augusta team.
“It just has been a fabulous experience,” Wittkamp said. “I never once was scared or didn’t think it wouldn’t work because she put me at ease. She’s an awesome doctor, and I’m glad she’s at Piedmont.”
The procedure reflects Piedmont Augusta’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to advanced, patient-centered heart care close to home.
After being evaluated through Piedmont Heart Augusta, Wittkamp was referred to Charlene Rohm, M.D., an interventional cardiologist specializing in valvular and structural heart care. On April 27, Wittkamp underwent a transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement at Piedmont Augusta.
The minimally invasive procedure uses the EVOQUE transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement system, an FDA-approved therapy designed to replace the native tricuspid valve and significantly reduce regurgitation in appropriate patients. The device is delivered through a transfemoral approach, avoiding the need for open-heart surgery for eligible patients.
“Many patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation experience life-limiting symptoms and previously had few treatment options,” Rohm said. “Offering this therapy locally allows patients to receive advanced care close to home.”
For Wittkamp, the procedure marked a turning point. A follow-up echo in May showed no residual tricuspid regurgitation.
“I have had not one day of foot swelling. It’s like it never existed,” Wittkamp said. “My color has changed. My voice has even changed. I had all kinds of bruises on my legs because the blood was backing up in my body, and those are gone. It just goes on and on in terms of my recovery, and that of course is a tribute to Dr. Rohm and the team.”
Wittkamp began cardiac rehab in June and is continuing to build strength. She said she is grateful for the care she received from Rohm and the Piedmont Augusta team.
“It just has been a fabulous experience,” Wittkamp said. “I never once was scared or didn’t think it wouldn’t work because she put me at ease. She’s an awesome doctor, and I’m glad she’s at Piedmont.”
The procedure reflects Piedmont Augusta’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to advanced, patient-centered heart care close to home.
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