Q. What is Tricuspid valve annuloplasty?

It depends upon the cause of tricuspid regurgitation. Specific therapy is directed towards the particular cause of pulmonary artery hypertension, which results in tricuspid regurgitation. Diuretics should be used with caution to relieve symptoms of venous congestion. Mean jugular venous pressure rather than top of ‘v' wave should direct diuretic usage since inappropriate high dosage would result in low output state.

Tricuspid valve annuloplasty is often considered to decrease the severity of tricuspid regurgitation if the patient is undergoing surgery for associated left heart disease. This tends to reduce the severity of regurgitation but does not eliminate it. In patients with severe deformation replacement is needed. Complete heart block is an important potential complication. 5 and 10 year survival rates range from 55-80 per cent and 36-50 per cent respectively. Since mechanical valve have high risk of thrombogenicity, tissue prosthesis are preferred. However, in young patients and those who need anticoagulants for other reasons, mechanical valve may be considered.