Tricuspid Valve Surgery

Services

Understanding
Tricuspid Valve Surgery

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery & Open Heart Surgery
The tricuspid valve, sometimes called the “forgotten valve” because it has historically received less attention than the other heart valves, sits between the right atrium (upper chamber) and the right ventricle (lower chamber). It keeps blood flowing in the right direction, from the right atrium to the right ventricle, which then pumps blood to the lungs.
When the valve leaks (regurgitation) or narrows (stenosis), the right side of the heart has to work harder. If left untreated, this may contribute to symptoms such as leg swelling and fatigue, and in some cases heart failure. Depending on the severity and your overall health, surgery may be recommended.

Approaches

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

  • A 4-6 cm incision between the 2nd and 3rd ribs without touching the chest bone.
  • Favoured by patients for its minimal invasiveness.
  • Performed through a tiny incision (3-5 cm) between the ribs, without cutting or mobilising any bone.
  • Utilises an endoscopic camera for enhanced precision.

Open Heart Surgery

  • Involves a vertical incision along the chest to open the chest bone.
  • Provides the surgeon with a direct and unobstructed view of the heart and tricuspid valve.
  • Allows for comprehensive treatment of complex heart conditions that may not be suitable for minimally invasive techniques.

CONDITIONS WE TREAT

(Adj) Professor Theo Kofidis assesses and treats tricuspid valve disease, including tricuspid regurgitation (a leaking valve) and tricuspid stenosis (a narrowed valve). These conditions may occur on their own or alongside other heart problems, such as left-sided valve disease, pulmonary hypertension, or atrial fibrillation. Depending on the cause and severity, treatment may involve tricuspid valve repair or replacement, sometimes combined with other heart procedures, and in selected patients it may be performed through minimally invasive access where clinically appropriate. 

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

  • Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation
  • Tricuspid Valve Stenosis

Open Heart Surgery

  • Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation
  • Tricuspid Valve Stenosis
  • Complex Tricuspid Valve Disease with Multiple Co-Existing Diseases

What to expect

Minimally Invasive & Open Heart

  • Thorough assessment including medical history, physical examination, and advanced imaging (e.g., echocardiogram, CT scan).
  • Consultation with (Adj) Professor Theo Kofidis to explore minimally invasive & open heart options, their potential benefits & risks, and if patient qualifies for minimally invasive surgery.

Minimally Invasive

  • General anaesthesia administered for comfort.
  • Precise repair or replacement of the tricuspid valve through small incisions, minimising tissue trauma.

Open Heart

  • General anaesthesia administered for comfort.
  • Tricuspid valve repair or replacement performed through open-heart surgery, which involves opening the chest cavity.

Minimally Invasive

  • Usually 1 day in ICU & 3-4 days in general ward.
  • Faster mobilisation and return to daily activities.
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and overall cardiac health.

Open Heart

  • Usually 2 days in ICU & 5-7 days in general ward.
  • Slower mobilisation while in recovery.
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and overall cardiac health.

Benefits

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Less pain & quicker recovery period.
Results in smaller scars that are less visible.
Regain strength and mobility faster, allowing you to resume normal activities sooner.
Smaller incisions reduce the risk of post-surgical infections, leading to safer recovery.
Minimises blood loss, decreasing the need for transfusions.
Reduced physical trauma to the body facilitates quicker healing and less post-operative pain.

Lowers the likelihood of irregular heartbeats, enhancing overall cardiac stability post-surgery.

Preserving chest structure promotes improved lung function and breathing capacity shortly after surgery.

Smaller incisions result in less visible scarring, maintaining a more natural appearance.

Open Heart Surgery

In cases where the heart anatomy is complex or the valves are severely diseased, open heart surgery may offer a more reliable option for complete valve repair or replacement.