Tricuspid valve repair and tricuspid valve replacement

Tricuspid valve repair and tricuspid valve replacement are surgeries to treat a damaged or diseased tricuspid valve. The tricuspid valve is one of four valves that control blood flow through the heart. It separates the upper and lower right chambers of the heart. A damaged or diseased tricuspid valve can change the proper direction of blood flow. The heart must work harder to send blood to the lungs and the rest of the body.

Tricuspid valve repair and tricuspid valve replacement are done to fix a damaged or diseased tricuspid valve. Some tricuspid valve conditions are not well treated with just medicine. Surgery may be needed to reduce symptoms and the risk of complications, such as heart failure. Reasons why tricuspid valve repair or tricuspid valve replacement may be recommended: Tricuspid valve regurgitation. The valve doesn't close properly. As a result, blood leaks backward into the upper right chamber. Many health conditions can lead to tricuspid valve regurgitation. One example is a heart problem present at birth called Ebstein anomaly. Tricuspid valve stenosis. The tricuspid valve is narrowed or blocked. It's harder for blood to move from the upper right heart chamber to the lower right heart chamber. Tricuspid valve stenosis may occur with tricuspid regurgitation. Tricuspid atresia. This is a heart defect present at birth, also called a congenital heart defect. The tricuspid valve isn't formed. Instead, there's solid tissue between the heart chambers, which restricts blood flow. As a result, the lower right heart chamber isn't fully developed. If tricuspid valve disease isn't causing symptoms, surgery may not be needed. The type of tricuspid valve surgery needed depends on: The severity of tricuspid valve disease, also called the stage. The symptoms. Age and overall health. Whether the condition is getting worse. Whether surgery is needed to correct another valve or heart condition. Surgeons recommend tricuspid valve repair when possible, as it saves the heart valve and improves heart function. Having tricuspid valve repair instead of replacement may reduce the need for long-term blood thinners. Tricuspid valve surgery may be done at the same time as other heart valve surgeries.

All surgery involves some risk. Risks of tricuspid valve repair and tricuspid valve replacement depend on: The type of valve surgery. Your overall health. The expertise of the surgeons. If you need tricuspid valve repair or replacement, consider being treated at a medical center with a multidisciplinary team of heart surgeons and care providers trained and experienced in heart valve surgery. Risks associated with tricuspid valve repair and tricuspid valve replacement surgery may include: Bleeding. Blood clots. Failure of a replacement valve. Irregular heart rhythms, called arrhythmias. Infection. Stroke. Death.

Before tricuspid valve repair or replacement, you usually have tests to get more information about your heart and heart valves. For example, you may have an echocardiogram. Ask your healthcare professional any questions you may have about tricuspid heart valve surgery. Your care team tells you what to expect during and after surgery and any potential risks. Before the day of tricuspid valve surgery, talk to your caregivers about your upcoming hospital stay. Discuss any help you may need when you return home.