Shoulder Point Fitting Method as a New Universal Tricuspid Annuloplasty

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Cardiac Anatomy
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Tricuspid valve anatomy varies, with approximately 50% exhibiting four or more leaflets.
• Existing annuloplasty ring implantation techniques are not optimized for multi-leaflet tricuspid valves.
• Deformation of the tricuspid valve can occur during ring implantation in complex anatomies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel method for implanting annuloplasty rings in multi-leaflet tricuspid valves.
• To define critical anatomical landmarks for accurate ring placement.
• To establish a universal fitting strategy that minimizes tricuspid valve deformation.

Main Methods:

• Definition of the 'shoulder point' on both the tricuspid annulus and the annuloplasty ring.
• Development of a standardized surgical technique based on these defined points.
• Application of the method in cases of multi-leaflet tricuspid valve repair.

Main Results:

• Successful implantation of annuloplasty rings without significant tricuspid valve deformation.
• Demonstration of a reproducible and universally applicable fitting method.
• Establishment of the 'shoulder point' as a key reference for accurate ring placement.

Conclusions:

• A simple and universal method for fitting annuloplasty rings in multi-leaflet tricuspid valves has been established.
• This technique effectively prevents tricuspid valve deformation post-implantation.
• The defined 'shoulder point' facilitates precise ring placement in complex tricuspid valve anatomies.