Tricuspid valve stenosis is often combined with tricuspid valve insufficiency. These defects are usually of rheumatic origin. The most effective option for their treatment is tricuspid valve replacement surgery with an artificial prosthesis. You can undergo your treatment abroad and expect good results with a minimal risk of complications.
Content
- Who may need surgery?
- How is surgery performed?
The first tricuspid valve replacement surgery is performed through an incision in the chest. Doctors implant an artificial bioprosthesis instead of the patient's own damaged valve. At the same time, other heart valves, most often the mitral valve, are usually repaired or replaced. Tricuspid valve replacement surgery due to prosthesis dysfunction can be performed using minimally invasive techniques.
You can seek medical attention at the University Hospital Essen, the University Hospital Ulm, or the University Hospital Oldenburg.
If you use the Booking Health services, you will not have to deal with organizational issues on your own. Our company's specialists will help you select a clinic, make an appointment on your preferred dates, book airline tickets and a hotel, and translate your medical records. They will also meet you at the airport abroad and take you to the hospital by car.
Who may need surgery?
Tricuspid valve reconstruction or replacement surgery may be required in the following cases:
- severe stenosis accompanied by symptoms;
- severe symptomatic tricuspid valve regurgitation;
- progressive right ventricular dysfunction;
- asymptomatic tricuspid valve stenosis, if it is combined with other heart defects requiring surgical intervention.
Operations on the tricuspid valve are rarely isolated. In 86% of cases, cardiosurgery doctors simultaneously repair or replace other heart valves, and only 14% of interventions are performed for tricuspid valve repair or replacement without any additional manipulations on other heart valves.
How is surgery performed?
A surgical procedure for tricuspid valve stenosis treatment is performed through an incision in the chest on an open heart using a heart-lung machine. Doctors implant a prosthesis instead of the patient's own damaged heart valve.
Artificial heart valves can be biological or mechanical. Because of the high risk of blood clots and prosthesis dysfunction, mechanical tricuspid valves are rarely used.
Biological heart valves are mainly used, including in young people and children. They provide better hemodynamic parameters and do not require lifelong use of anticoagulants. In the position of the tricuspid valve, the bioprosthesis can last for decades.
In the case of the development of prosthesis dysfunction, revision replacement surgery can be performed using minimally invasive techniques from inside the blood vessels. Transcatheter prosthetic repair eliminates the need for a revision open surgery, allowing a new prosthesis to be placed with a low risk of complications, high success rates, and short recovery times.
You are welcome to use the Booking Health service to find out the surgical treatment cost, compare prices at different clinics, and choose a treatment program at the best price. Our website presents the best hospitals with cardiosurgery departments. Our specialists will help you select the most suitable cardiosurgery departments in Germany and arrange your trip.
Authors:
The article was edited by medical experts, board-certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova and Dr. Vadim Zhiliuk. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Sources:
National Library of Medicine
American Heart Association
European Society of Cardiology