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Published on: June 8, 2022
Long-term results of tricuspid reconstruction with pericardium in an infant
Hajime Sakurai1, Toshimichi Nonaka2, Takahisa Sakurai2
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Japan Community Healthcare Organization Chukyo Hospital, 1-1-10 Sanjo, Minami-ku, Nagoya, 457-8510, Japan. hsaku391@gmail.com.
Insights
Fresh autologous pericardium shows promise for pediatric tricuspid valve repair. This material supports long-term good tricuspid function and growth in children needing tricuspid reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Severe tricuspid regurgitation in infants can result from congenital defects or post-surgical complications.
- Tricuspid valve repair in pediatric patients presents unique challenges due to growth and development.
- Ventricular septal defect closure and ablation are common procedures that can sometimes lead to tricuspid valve issues.
Observation:
- An 8-month-old infant with severe tricuspid regurgitation underwent tricuspid reconstruction using fresh autologous pericardium.
- The patient experienced significant growth over 10 years, with body weight increasing fourfold and height twofold.
- Post-operative assessment at 10 years revealed good tricuspid valve function with only mild regurgitation and stenosis.
Findings:
- Fresh autologous pericardium demonstrated durable and effective performance in tricuspid valve leaflet repair.
- The reconstructed tricuspid valve accommodated the patient's substantial somatic growth over a decade.
- No significant adverse events related to the pericardial graft were reported during the follow-up period.
Implications:
- Fresh autologous pericardium is a viable and potentially superior material for pediatric tricuspid leaflet repair.
- This approach may offer a favorable long-term solution for congenital or acquired tricuspid valve disease in children.
- Further studies on autologous pericardium for pediatric cardiac valve reconstruction are warranted to confirm these findings.
Abstract:
We report the long-term clinical outcome of an 8-month-old infant who underwent tricuspid reconstruction using fresh autologous pericardium for severe tricuspid regurgitation due to defects in the leaflets of the tricuspid valve after ventricular septal defect closure and ablation. Ten years after surgery, the tricuspid function is good with mild regurgitation and mild stenosis. From the age of 8 months to 11 years, the patient's body weight and height increased fourfold and twofold, respectively. Thus, a fresh autologous pericardial patch could be the material of choice for tricuspid leaflet repair in pediatric patients.
