Tricuspid valve surgery

What is it?

The tricuspid valve lies between the right atrium and the right ventricle. When it no longer closes properly, part of the blood flows back into the atrium: this is tricuspid regurgitation. It can cause swelling of the legs, abdominal discomfort and fatigue on exertion. Surgical treatment most often consists of repairing the valve; replacement is reserved for cases where repair is not possible.

Step by step

1. 1

   The assessment is based on an echocardiogram, which measures the severity of the leak and evaluates the right ventricle.

2. 2

   Surgery on the tricuspid valve is often combined with mitral or aortic valve surgery during the same operation.

3. 3

   The operation is performed under general anaesthesia, with access to the heart through the chest. You are asleep for its entire duration.

4. 4

   A heart-lung machine takes over circulation and oxygenation for the duration of the procedure.

5. 5

   Repair usually consists of tightening the valve ring with a prosthetic ring so that the valve closes properly. If the valve is too damaged, it is replaced with a prosthesis.

6. 6

   The result is checked by echocardiography at the end of the operation. You are then monitored in intensive care.

Recovery and follow-up

Hospital stay is usually a few days to a week, with an initial period in intensive care. Diuretic treatment (medication that helps remove excess fluid) is often continued and adjusted after surgery. Walking, and then other activities, are resumed according to the team's instructions. Follow-up with echocardiography is scheduled.