Tricuspid Valve Repair

Tricuspid valve repair is a procedure that repairs the tricuspid valve. Tricuspid valve disease is usually apparent at older age and can cause a variety of problems. Some people experience chest pain, pulsations in the neck, abdominal or chest pain, shortness of breath with activity, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, or heart failure due to tricuspid valve disease. If tricuspid regurgitation becomes severe it causes right sided heart failure. A tricuspid valve repair procedure can address these conditions.

Why a Person May Need a Tricuspid Valve Repair Procedure

A tricuspid valve repair procedure can help repair faulty valves in the heart. People with valve disease may need the procedure if their symptoms become severe or if doctors believe it could be causing other complications. Doctors may order the procedure even if the patient is not experiencing any symptoms.

Preparing for a Tricuspid Valve Repair Procedure

Because the procedure is considered a major surgery, a doctor may have specific preparation requirements. Patients will need to understand what to expect so that they can make the necessary arrangements for their recovery. In general, patients will be asked not to eat or drink anything 12 hours before the procedure. The doctor may also require them to stop taking certain medications that may interfere with the surgery or anesthesia.

During a Tricuspid Valve Repair Procedure

Patients are given anesthesia before the procedure begins, and so they are not awake for it. During the procedure, the patient is connected to a heart-lung bypass machine, which keeps blood moving through the body. The surgeon will patch holes and remove tissue to allow the valve to close properly. If necessary, the surgeon may also reinforce the valve to make it stronger.

Tricuspid Valve Repair Recovery 

Because the procedure is a major surgery, recovery can take a while. Most patients spend a couple days in the hospital where a doctor can monitor them. After they go home, they will need to rest and have someone around to help them. They may also have to take certain medications and follow a diet plan to help keep them healthy. During the recovery, the doctor may ask the patient to stop in for regular checkups to make sure there are no signs of infection and the heart is healing well.

Tricuspid Valve Repair Procedure Complications

As with any surgery, there are risks and complications related to the tricuspid valve repair procedure. Patients should watch out for any of the signs of complications and seek medical attention if they experience any of them. Some common complications include:

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Valve dysfunction in replacement valves
• Heart rhythm problems
• Infection
• Stroke
• Death

Tricuspid Valve Repair Procedure Results

After a patient recovers from this procedure, they should be able to live a normal life and participate in their normal daily activities. Some patients may need to undergo cardiac rehabilitation to help them ease back into a normal routine. Patients will also have to go for follow-up appointments, so doctors can check and make sure the patient is healing properly. Some people require additional surgeries to repair the valve completely.