A novel approach of tricuspid valve repair: mitralization of tricuspid valve.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study presents the mid-term results of a novel tricuspid valve (TV) repair strategy defined as 'mitralization of TV' (resection and plication of the posterior leaflet, ring implantation, optional leaflet procedures) applied for the correction of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). METHODS: Between 2017 and 2020, a total of 22 patients underwent concomitant TV repair using mitralization of the TV. Fourteen of the patients had functional TR (2 of them had severe tethering), 5 patients had prolapse and 3 patients had rheumatic involvement. RESULTS: There was no in-hospital mortality. Moderate or severe TR was not observed in any patient in echocardiographic evaluations before discharge. The mean follow-up duration was 30.9 + 6.2 months. Moderate-to-severe TR-free survival was 100% in the second year and 94.7% in the third year. CONCLUSIONS: Mitralization of the TV is a safe and effective treatment modality in terms of its mid-term results. This new technique provides an innovative perspective for the treatment of TR, especially in complex TV pathologies.