The optimal method of management of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) remains controvertial [-]. Similar to mitral valve, tricuspid valve also has a non-planer shape and a sphincter. function []. Cosgrove-Edwards annuloplasty system has been proven to be effective for repair of mitral regurgitation and maintains physiologic annulus function [].This study was planned to determine early and intermediate term clinical results of tricuspid valve annuloplasty with the use of Cosgrove-Edwards annuloplasty system and to find out risk factors associated with recurrence of TR.

Patients and Methods:

Charts and echocardiography reports of a series of 152 consequent patients from 7.13.1995 through 12.31.1997 who underwent tricuspid valve annuloplasty with the use of Cosgrove-Edwards annuloplasty system were reviewed retrospectively. Follow-up was completed in these patients and late echocardiography reports which done at an outside institution were also obtained.

Results :

Of these patients, 53 ( 34.9 %) were male, 99 (65.1 %) were female. Mean age was 64.9 years (range 22-84). Early mortality was 9 ( 5.8 %) All of them but eight (5.2%) had combined procedures. Combined procedures were; 72 mitral valve replacement (MVR) or mitral valve repair, 10 aortic valve replacement (AVR) , 25 MVR+ AVR, 31 MVR+CABG. 72 (47.4 %) of the procedures were redo. Late mortality was 2 (1.3 %). Preoperative mean TR was 3.2+0.7, intraoperative (after by-pass) mean TR was 0.6+0.5, early postoperative (mean 7.1 days) mean TR was 0.9+.0.7. 86 ( 51.3 %) of the patients had at least one late echocardiography study. Late postoperative (mean 7.3months) mean TR was 1.2+1.0 Mean follow-up was 13 months providing 157 patient years of follow-up for analyses.

Conclusion :

Tricuspid valve annuloplasty with the use of Cosgrove - Edwards annuloplasty system appears as a reliable procedure with good intermediate term result.