The adjustable half-moon. An alternative device for tricuspid valve annuloplasty

The adjustable half-moon consists of a flexible braided Dacron tube fitted with two internal Teflon-impregnated sutures. The sutures are anchored at each end of the tube and can be tightened at its centre. Implantation is performed along the annular tissue corresponding to the anterior and posterior tricuspid leaflets. Shortening of the half-moon in unilateral or bilateral fashion can be accomplished after its implantation. Two prosthetic sizes are available, "small" and "large", with a tolerance between 4.5 and 9.0 cm. The device preserves the natural tricuspid valve configuration, avoids the cardiac conduction tissue, permits annular adjustment after completed implantation and provides proper support. Following positive experience in 5 cases with severe functional tricuspid incompetence further use of the adjustable half-moon is advocated.