Bicuspidization of the tricuspid valve for the treatment of posterior leaflet endocarditis: a case report.

ABSTRACT

Patients who require surgical therapy for the treatment of tricuspid valve regurgitation can avoid undergoing tricuspid valve replacement if valve-sparing repair techniques are employed. Tricuspid valvular endocarditis frequently requires valvectomy, leaving the right side of the heart and pulmonary system vulnerable to unregulated blood flow. We present a case of complete posterior leaflet excision and plication of the involved portion of the tricuspid annulus, which resulted in "bicuspidization" of the valve, for the treatment of tricuspid valve endocarditis localized to the posterior leaflet.