Long-term results of triple-valve procedure

Triple-valve procedures are associated with high early and late mortality. We reviewed our experience in 25 patients who underwent combined mitral and aortic valve replacement with tricuspid valve repair or replacement between 1979 and 2004. The mean follow-up was 7.8 years (range, 10 days to 24.5 years). The mean age at operation was 52 years (range, 31 to 72 years). Four patients underwent triple-valve replacement and 21 had double-valve replacement and tricuspid annuloplasty. Perioperative mortality was 20% and late mortality was 24%. Cumulative survival, calculated taking perioperative mortality into account, was 71% +/- 10% at 10 years and 36% +/- 15% at 15 years after surgery. Only 1 of 20 perioperative survivors required re-operation for prosthetic valve dysfunction. Double-valve replacement with tricuspid annuloplasty offers satisfactory long-term survival with freedom from thromboembolism and re-operation.