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"Can A Tricuspid Valve Be Repaired?" Asks Eva

By Adam Pick on May 30, 2010

I just received a question about tricuspid valve surgery from Eva. She writes, "Adam - Can tricuspid valves be as easily repaired as mitral valves?"

To help answer Eva's question, I just found a great video.

As Dr. McCarthy notes, it is possible for the tricuspid valve to be repaired. However, as each patient case is unique, your surgeon will ultimately make the decision whether or not your valve will be repaired. In many situations, like mine, the valve leaflets are so degenerated -- due to calcification, infection, aging, etc. -- a repair will not restore valvular function. In those patient cases, a valve replacement is necessary.

If you were recently diagnosed with heart valve disease, or are preparing for heart valve surgery, the diagram below should help you understand the positioning of a tricuspid valve within the human heart - relative to the other three valves. You will notice the tricuspid valve has three leaflets (also known as valve flaps), similar to the aortic and pulmonary valve. The mitral valve only has two leaflets.

I hope this helps Eva (and perhaps you) learn a little more about tricuspid valve repair.

Keep on tickin!
Adam

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Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

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