Adjustable annuloplasty for tricuspid insufficiency

De Vega described a technique for tricuspid annuloplasty using synthetic suture to reduce the size of the dilated annulus. We present our experience with an adjustable modification of de Vega's suture annuloplasty technique. The records of 12 patients followed for 15 to 30 months were reviewed. All 10 survivors had a significant drop in right-sided filling pressure (average, 39% decrease) and an associated improvement in clinical status. The 2 deaths in the series were not related to persistent tricuspid insufficiency. This technique represents a reliable, rapid, and readily teachable method for the surgical management of tricuspid insufficiency.