Background: Reflecting the highly compliant right ventricle possibly obscuring tricuspid regurgitation (TR), concomitant tricuspid valve annuloplasty (TVA) has been increasingly implemented in presence of enlarged tricuspid annulus irrespective of TR severity. We aimed to evaluate long-term results of the modified de Vega annuloplasty for moderate or less functional TR.
Methods: The data of 72 consecutive patients undergoing concomitant TVA (2006 and 2012) were analyzed. Serial early and late postoperative echocardiographic studies were performed.
Results: Concomitant mitral valve procedure was performed in all patients. Severity of preoperative TR was mild, moderate and severe in 32.5%, 55% and 12.5% of the patients, respectively. The modified de Vega annuloplasty group comprised 48% of all TVA and reserved for patients with less than severe TR. Early post-repair echocardiography demonstrated mild or less TR and moderate TR in 97.5% and 2.5% of the patients. Post-repair severe TR was not documented. Late echocardiographic assessment performed at median 69±5 months postoperatively (range 10-84 months postoperatively) showed deterioration in TR severity from mild to moderate in 8.5% of the patients. Late severe TR was not documented.
Conclusions: The use of modified de Vega annuloplasty for less than severe TR is feasible. The propensity for late deterioration following successful repair is low.
