Piedmont Augusta performs first TriClip procedure expanding advanced structural heart care

Augusta, Ga. (June 25, 2026) - Piedmont Augusta has performed its first TriClip procedure, expanding treatment options for patients with complex tricuspid valve disease and becoming the first hospital in the Central Savannah River Area to offer the minimally invasive therapy.

The procedure was led by Charlene Rohm, M.D., a structural heart interventional cardiologist, with support from Michael Johnson, M.D., and Vivek Modi, M.D., along with Piedmont Augusta’s cardiovascular interventional services team.

The TriClip system is a minimally invasive transcatheter therapy for patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation, a condition in which the tricuspid valve does not close properly and blood flows backward in the heart.

During the procedure, a catheter is inserted through a vein in the leg and guided to the heart using X-ray and ultrasound while the patient is under general anesthesia. A clip is then attached to two or more tricuspid valve leaflets to improve the seal and reduce backward blood flow without open-heart surgery. Multiple clips may be used depending on the severity of the valve leakage.

Tricuspid regurgitation is often associated with:

• Fatigue and shortness of breath
• Fluid retention and swelling
• Reduced quality of life

Historically, treatment options have been limited, especially for patients considered high risk or ineligible for surgery.

"This therapy offers a much-needed option for patients who previously had no path to improved quality of life," Rohm said.

The milestone builds on Piedmont Augusta’s continued momentum in structural heart care, following the hospital’s recent completion of the region’s first transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement.

Together, these advances reflect Piedmont Augusta’s growing structural heart program and its commitment to expanding access to advanced cardiovascular care in the region.