Tricuspid Valve Surgery

The tricuspid valve is located in the heart between the right atrium (top chamber) and right ventricle (bottom chamber), making sure the blood flows forward from the atrium to the ventricle. Tricuspid valve disease means there is a problem with this blood flow.

'Tricuspid valve disease' can be caused either by congenital heart defect or by an acquired heart defect and includes 'Valve Stenosis' (where the leaflets are stiff and inflexible and cause restriction in the proper flow of blood) and 'Valve Regurgitation' (where the valve is leaky causing the blood to also leak backwards in the wrong direction).

When the disease is mild it can be treated with the proper medication. However, when the tricuspid valve disease is severe, meaning severe narrowing or blood flow problem, surgery will be required to repair or replace the valve.

The first option explored is the Tricuspid valve repair. During this surgery the valve is either sewn up or the surgeon will inplant an annuloplasty ring in order to correct 'Annular Dilatation' or to increase coaptation of the tricuspid valve leaflets. The ring is implanted directly above the tricuspid valve using sutures.

The second option is Tricuspid valve replacement which is done when the valve cannot be repaired. In this case, the Tricuspid valve is replaced with a biological (tissue-based) or artificial valve repairing the blood flow through the heart's chambers.

After the surgery, you will be transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for 1-3 days followed by a hospitalization of another 10-14 days. You will be released with detailed orders from your doctor and can expect a full recovery within a full year or earlier, depending on your health condition prior to the procedure.

Tricuspid Valve Surgery Abroad

When diagnosed with abnormal blood flow through the valve, you will want to have this taken care of immediately with the best possible treatment. TicketMed works with the top cardio doctors and clinics in the industry and will be happy to assist you and explain your options. Contact us or simply ask for a quote.

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Tricuspid Valve FAQ

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What is the recovery process for a Tricuspid Valve Surgery?

Immediately after your surgery you will be moved into intensive care unit for a few days and then another 10-14 days in to a regular nursing unit followed by your release. Once you are released, you will have to rest for a few weeks, gradually returning to your regular life style as time passes by.
The recovery period for this surgery is individual and will differ from patient to patient. You are expected to make a full recovery with a period of a year. However, many patients recover in a shorter period of time, sometimes it is just a matter of a few weeks.

What is the replacement valve made of?

There are three types of valve replacements divided into two categories. The first is a mechanical valve which is manufactured by a company specializing in medical prosthetics. The second is a biological valve, either from a human donor or a valve from an animal with a similar anatomy.

What preparations am I facing before a Tricuspid Valve Surgery?

Prior to open heart surgery, you will meet your doctor and surgeon and go over all the details of this procedure. There will be a routine checkup at the surgeon and a meeting with the anesthesiologist. In addition, you will go through multiple tests that will include blood tests, x-rays, an Echocardiogram, a CT scan and an ECG. In some cases preliminary Cardiac Catheterization will also be required.

Will I have to take permanent medication after the surgery?

If a mechanical valve is implanted, you will need to take a blood-thinning medicine for the rest of your life.

Will my heart be stopped during surgery?

Your breathing and blood circulation will be carried out by special bypass machinery. Your breathing will be carried out by a respirator and a heart-lung machine will keep oxygen-rich blood flowing through your body while your heart is stopped.

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