Home-based Physical Therapy Following Tricuspid Valve Repair (TriClip): A Case Study

Background and Purpose: This case study describes the home-based physical therapy rehabilitation of a patient following a novel, less invasive tricuspid valve repair surgery using a TriClip system. Case Description: The patient is an 82 years old female presenting with heart failure secondary to tricuspid regurgitation and underwent successful TriClip implantation. She was discharged home 2 days after surgery with a home health physical therapy referral. Intervention: A comprehensive home health physical therapy program consisting of progressive exercises, patient education, strength, balance, and endurance training was implemented. Outcomes: Improvement was noted in patient outcome measures including 2 min walk test, Timed Up and Go (TUG), 2 min step test on discharge as compared to the initial assessment. It demonstrated the positive impact of home-based physical therapy on a patient's participation in activities of daily living following TriClip implantation. Discussion: With a reduction in the number of days in the hospital and the popularization of less invasive surgeries, early intervention with home-based health physical therapy is crucial for optimizing functional outcomes and patient recovery. This case study highlights the importance of tailored rehabilitation in this patient population.