During beating heart tricuspid valve replacement, a malfunctioning, damaged, or diseased heart valve is replaced with an artificial valve or one from a pig, cow, or human donor. This procedure is performed while the heart is beating. A cardiopulmonary bypass machine may be used to improve circulation during the procedure.

Also Known As:

• Off-pump tricuspid valve replacement
• Heart surgery
• Heart valve surgery
• Heart valve replacement

Conditions Treated with Beating Heart Tricuspid Valve Replacement:

Beating heart tricuspid valve replacement is utilized in order to treat tricuspid valve disease, congenital tricuspid valve disorder and a damaged tricuspid valve due to rheumatic fever or bacterial infection.

There are no comparable non-surgical alternatives to beating heart tricuspid valve replacement. Surgical alternatives include tricuspid valve replacement and minimally invasive or robotically-assisted aortic valve replacement.

Anesthesia with Beating Heart Tricuspid Valve Replacement:

Beating heart tricuspid valve replacement is performed under general anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and completely unaware during the procedure.

Potential Complications from Beating Heart Tricuspid Valve Replacement:

Possible risks following beating heart tricuspid valve replacement include infection, bleeding and a negative reaction to the anesthesia. Scarring, blood clots and heart attack are also possible complications.

Prognosis after Beating Heart Tricuspid Valve Replacement:

The prognosis for a positive end result following beating heart tricuspid valve replacement is good. Mechanical valves last longer than biological ones. However, patients will need to take anticoagulants indefinitely.

Recovery from Beating Heart Tricuspid Valve Replacement:

The total recovery time for beating heart tricuspid valve replacement is six to eight weeks.