Surgical management of congenital (non-Ebstein) tricuspid valve regurgitation

Congenital tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) is a relatively uncommon condition that includes a heterogeneous group of lesions with a unique management strategy. There are wide anatomic variations that lead to congenital TR in patients without Ebstein malformation. Possible etiologies may include primary valve abnormalities (eg, congenital absence of chordae) or other forms of tricuspid valve dysplasia as in congenitally unguarded tricuspid valve, and patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum, which can be similar to Ebstein's valves or secondary regurgitation in association with other anomalies as in atrioventricular septal defects, right ventricular outflow tract obstructive lesions (pulmonary stenosis or atresia with ventricular septal defect [VSD]), tricuspid valve annular dilatation in association with right ventricular volume overload lesions as in congenital coronary arterial fistula with secondary right ventricular enlargement, and Uhl's anomaly. Iatrogenic etiologies in the congenital population include TR secondary to previous VSD closure (chordal or leaflet injury), pacemaker or internal cardiac defibrillator lead-induced TR, and traumatic TR (ruptured chordae). Presentation depends on the severity of the disease and may be apparent in infancy, childhood, or adulthood.     

左心瓣膜置换术后远期三尖瓣关闭不全的外科处理

目的探讨左心瓣膜置换术后远期三尖瓣关闭不全(TR)发生的可能机制以及外科治疗方法的选择和结果.方法 56例左心瓣膜置换术后远期发生TR行再次瓣膜手术的病人,10例人工瓣膜功能正常(A组)者中行二尖瓣置换(MVR)4例,主动脉瓣、二尖瓣双瓣置换(DVR)6例;46例人工瓣膜功能障碍(B组)者中MVR 36例,主动脉瓣置换(AVR)4例, DVR 6例.在A、B两组中,46例第1次手时三尖瓣未见明显异常,10例第1次手术时已行DeVega三尖瓣成形(TVP),第2次手术时发现缝线断裂3例,缝线撕脱7例.56例TR病人再次手术时9例行三尖瓣替换(TVR),其中6例三尖瓣呈风湿性改变;47例行TVP.结果 TVP和TVR各死亡1例,病死率3.6%.54例获随访,随访时间6～132个月,平均(79.4±34.8)个月.8例TVR病人术后心功能恢复良好,46例TVP者40例为轻度TR,5例出现中度TR,仍需强心、利尿药维持,1例再次出现重度TR.结论左心瓣膜置换术后远期TR可能与持续肺动脉高压、右心室不可逆损害、三尖瓣风湿性病变、左心功能的恢复情况以及持续心房纤颤有关.重度功能性TR和三尖瓣风湿性病变者行TVR的疗效可靠.随访发现部分TVP病人功能性TR仍有逐渐加重趋势.     

Association of edge-to-edge repair to De Vega annuloplasty for tricuspid incompetence

BACKGROUND: We aimed to analyze whether association of edge to edge repair to De Vega annuloplasty would result in better results in patients with severe TR. METHODS: Fifty seven patients with TR>/=3 were randomized to undergo modified De Vega alone (group D, 28 patients) or associated with edge to edge repair (group E, 29 patients). All patients had preoperative and two postoperative (early and mid-term) echocardiography. The tricuspid regurgitation, diameter of tricuspid valve annulus, pulmonary artery pressure and right ventricular EF were recorded. RESULTS: Early postoperative echocardiography indicated less residual TR in group E while other parameters were comparable. The mean follow-up period was 28.2+/-5.4 months. Mid-term postoperative mean TR was 1.9+/-0.8 vs. 1.0+0.4 (p=0.0384) indicated less redevelopment of TR in group E. Additionally TVA re-dilatation was found more prominent in group D. One patient in group D underwent operation for recurred TR. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that association edge-to-edge technique to De Vega annuloplasty has resulted in reduced residual TR and less incidence of recurrence of TR and TVA dilatation.     

Ventricular septal defect with tricuspid pouch with and without transposition. Anatomic and surgical considerations.

In a 10-year review, patients operated on for ventricular septal defect and tricuspid valve pouch were divided into two groups, because the effect of the tricuspid valve pouch is influenced by which ventricle has the higher pressure. Group I comprised patients with ventricular septal defect without transposition of the great arteries and group II, ventricular septal defect with transposition. In 72 of 392 group I patients, the septal tricuspid valve leaflet was incised to expose the edges of the hidden ventricular septal defect to accomplish proper anatomic repair. Forty-eight patients had a tricuspid valve pouch, the diagnosis being established by angiography, echocardiography, or at operation. Ages at operation ranged from 5 months to 22 years and the pulmonary-systemic flow ratio ranged from 1 to 3.4, with 16 being less than 1.5. In one patient the pouch produced a 40 mm Hg pressure gradient in the right ventricular outflow tract. At operation, through a transatrial approach, the tricuspid valve pouch was opened radially, the actual ventricular septal defect patched, and the tricuspid valve leaflet repaired. There were no deaths, no significant intraoperative or postoperative morbidity, and no tricuspid valve dysfunction. The average postoperative hospital stay was 4.8 days. In group II, six of 83 patients operated on for transposition with ventricular septal defect had significant left ventricular outflow tract obstruction from the tricuspid valve pouch. Five of six had a Mustard procedure, two requiring a left ventricular-pulmonary artery conduit, and in two of the six the ventricular septal defect was closed through the pulmonary artery. One patient had heart transplantation after a Mustard repair and tricuspid valve replacement. The sixth patient in group II had a successful arterial switch at 9 years of age, after the presence of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction was proved to be due to the pouch. The presence of a tricuspid valve pouch in group I may lead the surgeon to close false small openings produced by the pouch rather than the actual ventricular septal defect. Incising the pouch is safe and essential for proper exposure and secure closure of the true defect. In group II, the systemic right ventricular pressure can push the pouch into the left ventricular outflow tract, causing significant obstruction, and may contribute to tricuspid valve insufficiency after atrial baffle repair. Arterial switch is preferred because it returns the obstructive tricuspid valve pouch and abnormal tricuspid leaflet to the lower pressure pulmonic right ventricle.     

三尖瓣人工软环成形术

目的 探讨三尖瓣人工软环成形术与非人工软环成形术相比是否具有更好的成形效果.方法 分析2005年1月至2007年12月收治的55例继发性三尖瓣关闭不全病人的临床资料.其中风湿性心脏病51例,房间隔缺损3例,室间隔缺损1例;三尖瓣成形中29例采用Kay成形术或DeVega成形术,26例行人工软环成形术.两组术前心功能分级、三尖瓣反流程度、肺动脉压力差异无统计学意义.结果 两组均无手术死亡,两组病人术后右心房、右心室缩小,与术前比较差别均有统计学意义(P＜0.05),组间差异亦有统计学意义.随访6～40个月,非人工软环组出现三尖瓣重度反流3例;人工软环组未出现三尖瓣严重反流.结论 三尖瓣人工软环成形效果优于非人工软环成形术.     

人工瓣环成形术与其联合"缘对缘"瓣膜成形术治疗重度三尖瓣关闭不全

目的 总结人工瓣环成形术与人工瓣环联合"缘对缘"瓣膜成形术的治疗重度三尖瓣反流(TR)的治疗效果.方法 2001年4月至2010年5月间因重度TR行三尖瓣成形术41例,其中单纯人工瓣环成形(R组)21例,人工瓣环联合"缘对缘"瓣膜成形(E组)20例.所有病人均经术前、术后早期(出院时)及术后中长期经胸超声心动图检查,观察三尖瓣瓣叶对合情况,以三尖瓣反流束面积(TRA)/右房面积(RAA)定量测定反流程度,三尖瓣口面积、肺动脉压及心功能测定.结果 出院时R组7例无或微量TR,12例轻度TR,2例中度TR,轻、中度者均有前、隔叶对合不良;E组13例无或微量TR,7例轻度TR.随访6～100个月,平均(54.8±26.7)个月,R组5例无或微量TR,11例轻度TR,4例中度TR、1例重度TR,轻至重度者均有前、隔叶对合不良,1例重度者再次实施"缘对缘"瓣膜成形术;E组无三尖瓣狭窄,10例无或微量TR,9例轻度TR,1例中度TR.人工瓣环成形联合"缘对缘"瓣膜成形术中长期TRA/RAA比值显著低于单纯人工瓣环成形术者(P<0.01).结论 对于三尖瓣瓣缘对合不良及其瓣环扩张引起的重度TR者,人工瓣环成形联合"缘对缘"瓣膜成形技术能够更有效地减少术后三尖瓣残余反流以及TR的复发.

Abstract：

Objective To analyze whether association of edge to edge valve repair to artificial ring annuloplasty would result in better results in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR).Methods From April,2001 to May,2010,41 patients underwent tricuspid valve repair to treat severe TR were studied.Twenty-one patients were done artificial ring annuloplasty alone (group R) and twenty patients were done artificial ring annuloplasty associated with edge to edge valve repair ( group E).All the patients received echocardiography before surgery,before discharge and in mid and long-term follow-up.The ratio between TR jet area (TRA) and right atrial area (RAA) was used to quantitatively evaluate the seriousness of TR.Movement of tricuspid valve leaflets,tricuspid valve orifice area,pulmonary artery pressure ( PAP),left ventricular ejection fraction ( LVEF) were obserbed to evaluate heart function.Results At discharge in group R,no or trivial TR was presented in 7 patients,mild TR in 12 patients and moderate TR in 2 patient.Bad apposition of the free edges of anterior and septal leaflets was observed in paients with mild and moderate TR.While in group E,no or trivial TR was presented in 13 patients and mild TR in 7 patients.The follow-up ranged from 6 months to 100 months[average (54.8 ±26.7) months].In group R,no or trivial TR was present in 5 patients,mild TR in 11 patients,moderate TR in 4 patients and severe in 1 patient.Bad apposition of the free edges of anterior and septal leaflets was observed in paients with mild to severe TR.Redo tricuspid valve repair was done in one patient in group R for recurrent severe TR and the edge-to-edge valve repair was utilized.In group E,no tricuspid stenosis was found.No or trivial TR was presented in 10 patients,mild TR in 9 patients and moderate TR in 1 patient.The ratio of TRA/RAA of group R was significantly higher than that of group E (0.25 ±0.16 vs.0.13±0.10,P < 0.01).Conclusion Association of edge-to-edge valve technique to artificial ring annuloplasty was safe and effective for treatment of severe tricuspid regurgitation due to bad apposition of free edges of tricuspid leaflets and dilatation of tricuspid annulus,.It could decrease the incidence of residual tricuspid regurgitation and prevent the recurrence of severe tricuspid regurgitation.     

Prosthetic valve implantation with preservation of the entire valvular and subvalvular apparatus of the tricuspid valve in congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, which is characterized by atrioventricular and ventriculoarterial discordance, is a rare congenital heart disease. Most of the cases are diagnosed in childhood, owing to associated cardiac anomalies, such as ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis or pulmonary atresia, and Ebstein-like malformation of the tricuspid valve. We present a patient with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries who underwent surgical replacement of the tricuspid valve with a bioprosthesis and reconstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract with bovine conduit.     

Functional biventricular repair using left ventricle-pulmonary artery conduit in patients with discordant atrioventricular connections and pulmonary outflow tract obstruction-does conduit obstruction maintain tricuspid valve function?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to determine whether function of the tricuspid valve placed for the systemic circulation is related to left ventricular pressure supporting the pulmonary circulation after functional repair for atrioventricular discordance. METHODS: Right ventricular volume and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) were investigated, in relation to left ventricular pressure, in 15 patients with this malformation who underwent functional biventricular repair with left ventricle-pulmonary artery conduit. RESULTS: After the functional biventricular repair, ratio of systolic left ventricular pressure to right ventricular one (LVP/RVP) was 0.58+/-0.24 and right ventricular end-diastolic pressure (RVEDV) significantly increased from 104+/-24 to 137+/-39% of normal predicted value (P = 0.015). Five patients with LVP/RVP>0.6 were free from TR, however, six of seven with LVP/RVP<0.6 developed TR. Three patients required eventual tricupid valve replacement. Conduit replacement was required in seven patients and five were assessed similarly. After the conduit replacement, LVP/RVP decreased from 1.08+/-0.34 to 0.58+/-0.14 and RVEDV increased significantly from 87+/-24 to 129+/-19% (P = 0.011). One patient with postoperative LVP/RVP of 0.36 developed moderate TR. CONCLUSION: Mild obstruction at the pulmonary channel is not necessarily an evil after functional biventricular repair for this malformation, in terms of TR and right ventricular dilatation.     

Aortic atresia with normal left ventricle

A case of single-stage repair of aortic atresia with normal-sized left ventricle and ventricular septal defect in a neonate is reported. The surgical procedure included rerouting of the left ventricular bloodstream to the pulmonary artery through the ventricular septal defect and connection of the pulmonary trunk to the aortic arch. The right ventricular outflow tract was then reconstructed with an extracardiac valved conduit. Three years after the initial operation, replacement of the valved conduit was performed uneventfully. The clinical status of the child is very satisfactory.     

Intermediate results of the anatomic repair for congenitally corrected transposition

BACKGROUND: Anatomic repair of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries has several advantages over the traditional approach but lacks long-term evaluation. METHODS: The data on 12 patients who had the procedure between January 1989 and June 2000 were retrospectively reviewed. Associated lesions included ventricular septal defect in 12 patients, pulmonary stenosis in 10 patients, and moderate to severe tricuspid valve regurgitation in 4 patients. Mean age at operation was 9+/-3.6 months. All patients had venous switch Mustard procedure. Tunneling of the morphologic left ventricle through the ventricular septal defect to the aorta with insertion of right ventricular to pulmonary artery conduit was performed in 10 patients, and arterial switch operation in 2. Concomitant tricuspid valvuloplasty was done in 2 patients and ventricular septal defect enlargement in 1. RESULTS: There was one hospital death (9%) in the patient who needed ventricular septal defect enlargement. Complications included atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker insertion in 1 patient (9%) and superior vena caval obstruction in 1 patient (9%). Follow-up is available on all patients 0.5 to 10 years (mean, 7.6+/-3.1 years). All patients are asymptomatic. Exercise test results on the three oldest patients were normal. Bradytachyarrhythmias developed in 4 patients (36%). Right ventricular to pulmonary artery conduit replacement was needed in 5 patients 2.2 to 7.1 years (mean 5.2+/-3.6 years) postoperatively. Mild to moderate tricuspid valve regurgitation persisted in 2 patients. Systemic left ventricular fractional shortening was 36% to 47% (mean, 39%+/-4.6%), and ejection fraction was 49% to 70% (mean, 60.8%+/-7.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The double switch operation can be performed safely with minimal intermediate and long-term complications.     

Results with the freestyle porcine aortic root for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in children

BACKGROUND: The ideal choice for valved reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) in children is undetermined. This study explores the Freestyle porcine aortic root for these patients. METHODS: From January 1998 to December 2002, 56 patients ages 1.6 to 29.9 years old (mean 11.8 years old) underwent RVOT reconstruction using a Freestyle porcine aortic root. The patients averaged 1.9 prior operations (range 0 to 5) for tetralogy of Fallot +/- pulmonary atresia (28 patients), critical pulmonary stenosis (10 patients), Ross procedure (5 patients), pulmonary atresia/intact ventricular septum (4 patients), complete atrioventricular septal defect +/- tetralogy of Fallot (4 patients), and others (5 patients). At time of RVOT reconstruction, 42 patients (75%) had additional procedures including the following: tricuspid or mitral repair (24 patients), pulmonary arterioplasty +/- Glenn (12 patients), ventricular septal defect closure (5 patients), aortic valve replacement (3 patients), placement of a cardioverter/defibrillator or pacemaker (3 patients), and others (8 patients). RESULTS: One patient developed mediastinitis; another was treated for Candida endocarditis (his excised homograft unexpectedly grew Candida). All patients are well on follow-up from 2 to 60 months (mean 30 +/- 20 months) with no deaths. The patient with endocarditis underwent conduit replacement for recurrent pulmonary stenosis 3.5 years postoperatively. Echocardiography revealed mild or no pulmonary insufficiency in 93%. The calculated mean peak systolic RVOT gradient by echocardiography was 19.7 +/- 15.4 mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate excellent results with the Freestyle bioprosthesis for RVOT reconstruction in children. This valve may serve as a readily available alternative to homograft valves in RVOT reconstruction, particularly since early insufficiency seems to be less problematic. Questions of long-term durability and significance of echocardiographic stenosis remain unanswered.     

Reconstruction of right ventricular outflow with a valved homograft conduit

Wheatley, D. J., Prusty, S., and Ross, D. N. (1974).Thorax, 29, 617-623. Reconstruction of right ventricular outflow with a valved homograft conduit. Since 1966 a conduit of homograft ascending aorta with its valve has been used for reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow. This technique has been applied to 123 operations for pulmonary autograft replacement of the aortic valve, 48 operations for correction of severe Fallot's tetralogy or pulmonary atresia, five operations for truncus arteriosus, two operations for transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect, and six operations for tricuspid atresia or common ventricle. Ease of insertion and satisfactory function have encouraged us in the use of this form of conduit.     

Tricuspid valve surgery for functional tricuspid valve regurgitation associated with left-sided valvular disease.

OBJECTIVES: We have reviewed 260 patients who underwent initial tricuspid valve surgery for functional tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) and analyzed independent predictors for early and late unfavorable results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1981 and 1998, 260 tricuspid valve operations were performed for functional TR. There were 94 males and 166 females with a mean age of 55 years. The tricuspid valve surgery procedures consisted of De Vega tricuspid annuloplasty in 240 patients, ring annuloplasty in four patients, and tricuspid valve replacement in 16 patients. The mean duration of follow-up was 7.8 years. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 8.9% (23 patients). Late deaths occurred in 34 patients including cardiac-related late deaths in 26 patients. The survival rates were 83+/-2% at 5 years and 78+/-3% at 10 years. Late tricuspid valve reoperation was performed on 13 patients due to residual or recurrent TR in 12 patients and thrombosed tricuspid bileaflet mechanical valve in one patient. The tricuspid valve reoperation-free survival rate was 90+/-2% at 5 years and 84+/-3% at 10 years. The only predictor of hospital mortality was preoperative highly elevated right atrial pressure (P=0.01). Variables predictive of cardiac-related late death were preoperative New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV (P=0.01) and poor left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (P=0.02). Residual TR of more than grade 2+ early after tricuspid annuloplasty was a significant risk factor for late tricuspid valve reoperation (P=0.01). Preoperative TR of grade 4+ was predictive of early residual TR (P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Tricuspid valve surgery for functional TR can be performed with acceptable levels of early mortality. Cardiac-related late mortality after tricuspid surgery may be improved by earlier surgical treatment before NYHA class IV or deterioration of LVEF occurs. To prevent late tricuspid reoperation, it is important not to leave residual TR of grade 2+ or more after tricuspid annuloplasty.     

Primary biventricular repair for interrupted aortic arch with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and tricuspid valve regurgitation; report of a case

An interrupted aortic arch was diagnosed in a 10-day-old girl weighing 3.3 kg, as was perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD) and severe tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR). The subaortic diameter was 3.6 mm and the aortic valve (3.7 mm in diameter) was bicuspid. We chose definitive repair, modified Yasui procedure, because of severe TR and no straddling of mitral valve. In primary biventricular repair, we undertook extended aortic arch anastomosis. Left ventricular outflow tract reconstruction consisted of intracardiac rerouting from the VSD to the pulmonary artery by using expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and Damus-Kaye-Stansel (DKS) anastomosis. Right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction was performed by the Rastelli procedure with an ePTFE valved conduit. Moreover, we carried out semicircular annuloplasty for severe TR.     

二尖瓣置换术后远期功能性三尖瓣关闭不全的外科治疗

目的：报告二尖瓣置换（ＭＶＲ）术后远期三尖瓣关闭不全（ＴＲ）外科治疗的结果及作用,方法：３７例ＭＶＲ术后中重度ＩＲ病人,其中人工二尖瓣为生物瓣者１３,机械瓣２４例,有１１例行内科保守治疗,２６例行外科手术治疗,手术类型,ＭＶＲ加三尖瓣置换２例,ＭＶＲ加三法瓣成形１１例,三尖瓣置换３例,三尖瓣成型１０例,三尖瓣成形术包括改良Ｋay形成形１２例,改良ＤeVega成形术７例,加成形环的三尖瓣成形术２例,结果：１１例内科治疗者,７个月－７．５年后７６例死亡,病死率为５４．５％,26例手术治疗者,术后早期病死２例,病死率为７．７％,随访个月－１０．５年,晚期死亡例,仍中度ＴＲ２例,结论：ＭＶＲ术后远期ＴＲ的产生与不可逆的左心损害或（和）严重肺动脉高压有关,对重度ＴＲ伴有临床症状、左心功能基本正常者,行三尖瓣成形或三尖瓣置换术可取得良好的效果。     

Mid-term results of tricuspid annuloplasty using the MC3 ring for secondary tricuspid valve regurgitation

We investigated mid-term outcomes after ring annuloplasty with the MC3 ring and aimed to identify factors associated with recurrent tricuspid regurgitation (TR). From October 2006 to October 2010, 136 patients (male:female 80:56, with a mean age 64.7±11.8 years) underwent tricuspid valve (TV) annuloplasty for functional TR. The indications for TV annuloplasty were (1) severe TR, or (2) mild or moderate TR with pulmonary hypertension (systolic pulmonary artery pressure >50 mmHg) or tricuspid annular (TA) dilatation, in patients undergoing mitral valve (MV) surgery. The average follow-up period was 1.5±0.8 years. The overall survival rates were 97.1±0.15%, 93.4 ± 0.02% and 90.7 ± 0.28% at three months, one year and four years, respectively. Freedom from recurrent moderate TR was 98.5±0.01, 95.6 ± 0.17% and 90.6 ± 0.03% at three months, one year and four years, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that residual TR was significantly associated with preoperative severe TR, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension >70 mm, right ventricular dimension >40 mm, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and left ventriculoplasty. This MC3 ring corrects TR effectively, and provided good results. We must point out, however, that additional or alternative surgical options should still be considered for high-risk of repair failure, such as those with DCM or high pulmonary hypertension.     

Staged surgical repair of pulmonary atresia, ventricular septal defect, and hypoplastic, confluent pulmonary arteries

In patients with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect, hypoplasia of the central pulmonary arteries prevents single-stage complete repair. Over an interval of 8 1/2 years, 105 patients underwent establishment of continuity between the right ventricle and a hypoplastic central pulmonary arterial confluence (first stage). There were 12 hospital deaths (11%) and 11 late deaths before second-stage (complete) repair. Twenty-five patients await late evaluation. The remaining 57 individuals have had follow-up cardiac catheterization a mean of 33 months postoperatively. In 31 of these, final repair was deferred because of insufficient pulmonary arterial enlargement (14), restricted peripheral arborization (nine), or both (eight). The final 26 patients were accepted for second-stage repair, which has been performed in 24. Complete repair included ventricular septal defect closure (24), right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction (18), relief of central pulmonary arterial stenosis (14), and ligation of systemic-pulmonary collateral arteries (10). The mean postrepair peak systolic right ventricular-left ventricular pressure ratio was 0.67 (range 0.32 to 1.0). One of these patients (4%) died in the hospital and there was one late death (4%) from sepsis after tricuspid valve replacement. Three patients were lost to follow-up; the remaining 19 patients are in functional Class I or II. A two-stage surgical approach is highly successful in those patients whose pulmonary arteries are too hypoplastic to allow a single-stage repair.     

Autologous Pericardium Patch Aneurysm after Ventricular Septal Defect Closure and Arterial Switch Operation

Abstract   A neonate with L-transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect underwent complete repair using fresh autologous pericardium to close the ventricular septal defect as well as to reconstruct the neo pulmonary artery sinuses. Four months later, the child came back with right ventricular inflow obstruction related to aneurysmal pericardial patch, severe tricuspid regurgitation, and severe supra-valvular pulmonic stenosis. At reoperation, there was a redundant, aneurysmal pericardial patch densely adherent to the septal and posterior leaflets of the tricuspid valve, which was damaged. The pericardial patch was replaced, the pulmonary artery enlarged, and tricuspid valve repaired. Postoperative course was uneventful, but residual moderate tricuspid regurgitation required intensive medical treatment.     

Improvement of tricuspid regurgitation after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy

BACKGROUND: For patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension who undergo pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) it has not yet been systematically investigated how operation affects the severity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). This study sought (1) to evaluate the extent of TR reversibility after operation, (2) to identify potential predictors of the reversibility of TR, and (3) to investigate the influence of geometric and hemodynamic alterations on the extent of TR severity. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients (55+/-12 years) undergoing PTE without tricuspid valve repair were investigated before and 13+/-8 days after operation by Doppler color flow mapping. Geometry of the tricuspid valve as well as right ventricular size and function were determined with echocardiography. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure was determined invasively. RESULTS: After PTE, mean pulmonary arterial pressure was significantly lower (48+/-10 versus 25+/-7 mm Hg, p < 0.05). Most of the patients had a distinct reduction of TR, and the improvement trend showed on the severity scale: number of patients with 4+TR (23 --> 4), 3+TR (12 --> 12), 2+TR (2 --> 13), and 1+TR (2 --> 10). Examination after PTE revealed profound reduction of right ventricular size and annulus diameter, with a normalization of the valvular geometry. However, none of the study variables were useful as indicators of the postoperative outcome. CONCLUSIONS: After PTE without additional valve repair most patients show significantly reduced severity of TR soon afterward; the very few cases in which TR does not improve remain unidentifiable before operation. Our recommendation is consequently to refrain from additional tricuspid repair in patients undergoing PTE.     

Preservation of systemic tricuspid valve function by pulmonary conduit banding in a patient with corrected transposition of the great arteries

Systemic tricuspid valve regurgitation increases mortality and morbidity in patients with a corrected transposition of the great arteries. A 17-year old male with a physiologically corrected transposition after the closure of a ventricular septal defect and conduit placement between a morphological left ventricle and pulmonary artery presented with exertional dyspnoea. The transthoracic echocardiography showed a severe conduit stenosis, and cardiac catheterization revealed a pressure gradient of 114 mmHg. The patient underwent conduit re-replacement using a pulmonary heterograft. Intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography revealed an acute severe tricuspid regurgitation after a conduit re-replacement. Pulmonary conduit banding was performed under transoesophageal echocardiography guidance, during which the left ventricular to right ventricular pressure ratio increased from 0.33 to 0.60 and the degree of tricuspid regurgitation decreased mildly. The patient was discharged uneventfully at postoperative day 16. Conduit banding might be a useful technique to preserve the systemic tricuspid valve function during conduit re-replacement in patients with a corrected transposition.