Is tricuspid valve replacement a catastrophic operation?

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Cardiac Valve Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery

Background:

• Tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) is associated with high postoperative mortality.
• Advances in perioperative care aim to improve outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report outcomes of TVR, focusing on early mortality, morbidity, and long-term follow-up.
• To identify risk factors for mortality and morbidity after TVR.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 80 TVRs in 78 patients (Oct 1994 - Aug 2007).
• Patient demographics, underlying valve disease, and prior cardiac surgery were recorded.
• Outcomes included hospital mortality, postoperative morbidities, and long-term survival.

Main Results:

• Hospital mortality was 1.4% (1 patient).
• Common morbidities included need for intra-aortic balloon pump, re-operation for bleeding, and prolonged ventilation.
• Five- and 8-year survival rates were 95% and 79%, respectively. Postoperative low cardiac output predicted late deaths.

Conclusions:

• TVR can be performed with low operative mortality.
• Optimal perioperative management is crucial for successful TVR outcomes.