Tricuspid Valve Repair and Replacement

Tricuspid valve pathology is predominantly regurgitant due to annular dilation and leaflet tethering secondary to right ventricular dilation. This is generally a result of volume or pressure overload, as seen in patients with pulmonary hypertension (primary or secondary due to left-sided heart disease) or dilated cardiomyopathy. Operative management of this condition centers on tricuspid valve repair, and outcomes are better if surgery is performed prior to the onset of right ventricular systolic dysfunction. A small number of congenital heart disease patients are present with atretic or displaced tricuspid valves, which require more complex repair techniques.