Tricuspid Valve Repair or Replacement
The tricuspid valve is one of the four main heart valves and is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle of the heart. Its role is to allow blood to flow into the right ventricle and to prevent backflow into the right atrium during the heart’s contraction.
When the tricuspid valve does not function properly, it can place significant strain on the heart and the circulation of blood. In advanced cases, modern cardiac surgery offers effective solutions through tricuspid valve repair or replacement, restoring normal cardiac function and significantly improving patients’ quality of life.
What is the Tricuspid Valve?
The tricuspid valve consists of three leaflets (cusps) that open and close in coordination with the heart’s function. Its proper function ensures that blood flows in the correct direction within the heart.
When the valve becomes dysfunctional, blood may flow backward or have difficulty passing from the right atrium to the right ventricle. This can lead to increased pressure in the cardiovascular system and place additional strain on the heart.
Tricuspid Valve Diseases
The main conditions affecting the tricuspid valve are:
Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation (Insufficiency)
The valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow back into the right atrium.
Tricuspid Valve Stenosis
The valve becomes narrowed and restricts the normal flow of blood.
These conditions may occur on their own or in combination with other heart valve disorders.
Causes of Valve Dysfunction
Tricuspid valve dysfunction can be caused by various factors, such as:
- Congenital heart diseases
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Heart infections (endocarditis)
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Heart failure
- Degenerative changes of the valves
In many cases, the condition develops gradually and may remain asymptomatic for a long period.
Symptoms That May Occur
As tricuspid valve dysfunction worsens, symptoms may include:
- Easy fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Palpitations
- Abdominal swelling due to fluid retention
- Reduced tolerance to physical activity
In advanced stages, right-sided heart failure may develop.
When is Surgical Treatment Required
Surgery is recommended when:
- The valve damage is severe
- Significant symptoms are present
- Heart function begins to be affected
- There is an increased risk of heart failure
The decision for surgery is made after a comprehensive cardiological evaluation and assessment of the patient’s overall condition.
Tricuspid Valve Replacement
When the valve has sustained severe damage and cannot be repaired, replacement is performed.
During the procedure, the damaged valve is removed and replaced with an artificial valve. The options include:
Mechanical Valves
They are highly durable and long-lasting but require lifelong anticoagulant therapy.
Biological Valves
They are made from biological tissues and usually do not require long-term anticoagulation.
Choice
The selection of the appropriate valve is made on an individualized basis for each patient.
Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery
Advances in medical technology have enabled the development of endoscopic cardiac surgery, a modern technique performed through small incisions.
The advantages of this method include:
- Less surgical trauma
- Reduced postoperative pain
- Faster recovery
- Shorter hospital stay
- Better aesthetic outcome
This technique is performed by specialized cardiac surgeons with extensive experience in heart valve procedures.
(FAQ)
It is the condition in which the valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow back into the right atrium.
If left untreated, it can lead to heart failure and other serious cardiac conditions.
The duration of the procedure usually ranges between 3 and 5 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
Full recovery may take from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the surgical method and the patient’s overall condition.
Recovery may take from a few weeks to a few months.
In most cases, patients return to their daily activities after the restoration of cardiac function.
With extensive experience in international medical centers and numerous scientific distinctions, cardiac surgeon in Athens, Dr. E. Andreas Agathos, is a trusted choice for patients seeking specialized cardiac surgical care.
He is a Doctorate holder from the University of Athens and holds significant international titles, including:
- FRCS – Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
- FACS – American College of Surgeons
- FETCS – European College of Surgeons
- FICS – International College of Surgeons
Dr. Agathos also holds multiple international patents (World patent, USA patent, European patent) for the development of new biological materials, innovative heart valves, and anti-calcification treatment methods.
He has served as Director of Cardiac Surgery at leading hospitals such as Hygeia, Athens Medical Center, and Euroclinic Athens, while also collaborating with top international institutions including Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and Triemli Hospital in Zurich.
With over 5,000 procedures performed in Greece and abroad, he has developed specialized expertise in endoscopic cardiac surgery, offering modern and less invasive solutions to patients.
His international experience, scientific innovation, and global patents in the field of heart valves establish Dr. Agathos as one of the most highly specialized cardiac surgeons in modern cardiac surgery.
