Tricuspid Valve Surgery

Repair options include the following:

• Tricuspid valve repair. The tricuspid valve can be repaired by a variety of methods depending upon the surgical preference.
• Tricuspid valve replacement. The tricuspid valve is replaced with a new valve. Replacement valves fall into two categories: Tissue valves, which are made from animal tissues and valves. The valve leaflets are soft and thin. On the other hand, mechanical valves, which are made from carbon fibers, have solid valve leaflets. Patients who have undergone a valve replacement will need to follow antibiotic prophylaxis throughout their lifetime. Patients who have received a mechanical valve will need life-long treatment with coumadin, a medication that thins the blood to prevent catastrophic clots from forming on the valve leaflets themselves.

Long-term outlook after tricuspid surgical repair

Most patients who have had a tricuspid surgical repair will live healthy lives. Activity levels, appetite, and growth should eventually return to normal. Your cardiologist may recommend that antibiotics be given to prevent bacterial endocarditis after discharge from the hospital.

Individuals who had a mechanical valve replacement may need to take anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent blood clots from forming on the artificial valve surfaces. Regular monitoring of the blood's clotting status is very important in maintaining the most appropriate dose of anticoagulants.

Initial valve replacement is often performed using a tissue valve to avoid the need for anticoagulation, especially for females of childbearing age. Anticoagulation during pregnancy is very difficult to manage, and requires special treatment.

Repeat valve replacement is not uncommon during the lifespan. In addition, blood pressure should be closely monitored and managed.

Regular follow-up care at a specialized cardiac center should continue throughout life.