Utilization of the edge-to-edge valve plasty technique to correct severe tricuspid regurgitation in patients with congenital heart disease.

OBJECTIVE

Tricuspid regurgitation is often associated in patients with congenital heart disease. Significant morbidity and mortality are related to tricuspid valve replacement. Tricuspid valve plasty is still a preferred choice. This report deals with our surgical experience in using the edge-to-edge valve plasty technique to correct severe tricuspid regurgitation in patients with congenital heart disease.

METHODS

From December 2002 to August 2007, severe tricuspid regurgitation was corrected with a flexible band annuloplasty and edge-to-edge valve plasty technique in nine patients with congenital heart disease. The age ranged from 7 to 62 years (average 24.4 years). Congenital cardiac anomalies included atrioventricular canal in five cases, secundum atrial septal defect in three cases, and cor triatriatum in one case.

RESULTS

No hospital death or postoperative morbidity occurred. No or trivial tricuspid regurgitation was present in six cases and mild tricuspid regurgitation in three cases at discharge. The follow-up ranged from 12 months to 70 months (average 39.3 months). No tricuspid stenosis was found. No to mild tricuspid regurgitation was present in eight cases, and moderate tricuspid regurgitation in one case at the latest follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Edge-to-edge valve plasty is an easy, effective, and acceptable additional procedure to correct severe tricuspid regurgitation in patients with congenital heart disease.