“Can A Tricuspid Valve Be Repaired?” Asks Eva
By Adam Pick on May 30, 2010
I just received a question about tricuspid valve surgery from Eva. She writes, “Adam – Can tricuspid valves be as easily repaired as mitral valves?”
To help answer Eva’s question, I just found a great video.
As Dr. McCarthy notes, it is possible for the tricuspid valve to be repaired. However, as each patient case is unique, your surgeon will ultimately make the decision whether or not your valve will be repaired. In many situations, like mine, the valve leaflets are so degenerated — due to calcification, infection, aging, etc. — a repair will not restore valvular function. In those patient cases, a valve replacement is necessary.
If you were recently diagnosed with heart valve disease, or are preparing for heart valve surgery, the diagram below should help you understand the positioning of a tricuspid valve within the human heart – relative to the other three valves. You will notice the tricuspid valve has three leaflets (also known as valve flaps), similar to the aortic and pulmonary valve. The mitral valve only has two leaflets.
I hope this helps Eva (and perhaps you) learn a little more about tricuspid valve repair.
Keep on tickin!
Adam
Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder
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Fran says on May 30th, 2010 at 1:07 pm |
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The answer is yes. Dr Gillinov (Cleveland Clinic) performed my surgery March 18th. I went in prepared for a mitral valve replacement (rheumatic fever) and possibly an aortic repair (or replacement). Instead, a bovine valve was done for the mitral and a repair of the tricuspid. He said after surgery that nothing he would do for the aortic would improve its’ function more. So left that one alone. Of course, I had complete faith in my surgeon to do the best surgery for me and he did. |
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Charles Grech says on May 30th, 2010 at 2:18 pm |
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Dear Adam, Thanks again C Grech |
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Nancy says on June 16th, 2010 at 9:49 pm |
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Eva, just wanted you to know that I am living with a tricuspid valve that is rated at a 3+ out of 4 ( 4=totally open). I had aortic valve replacement in Nov 2008 and at the time ended up with fluid in the lining of my lungs. Somehow during the first week of recovery, the extra fluid caused my tricuspid valve to weaken and stop working entirely. I was on alot of diuretics during the first 6 months of recovery and am now off them completly. The tricuspid valve is not causing me any problems right now and is still rated at 3+ for being open and regurgitating. I am hopeful that it will not cause any problems and when/if I need my bovine aortic replacement, I will get the tricuspid fixed at that time. Otherwise, I cross my figures. I keep very active and have been in excellent health since my valve replacement. I am aware that they can do the ring around the tricuspid valve and am aware that it can be performed without open heart surgey. I always keep that option open if any problems develop. Good luck to you. |
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