Outcomes of De Vega versus biodegradable ring annuloplasty in the surgical treatment of tricuspid regurgitation (mid-term results).

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare De Vega semicircular annuloplasty and a new biodegradable ring annuloplasty technique in patients requiring surgical intervention for tricuspid valve disease with concomitant disease of the mitral valve.

METHODS

Between January 2004 and May 2008, 129 consecutive patients underwent annuloplasty procedures to correct tricuspid valve regurgitation during a concomitant mitral valve operation requiring replacement. Additionally, 24 patients underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR), 11 underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 5 underwent AVR plus CABG, 3 underwent mitral valve replacement plus atrial septal defect (ASD) closure, and 2 underwent ASD closure. The patients in this study were assigned to 2 groups: Kalangos ring annuloplasty was performed in 67 patients (group 1), and De Vega semicircular annuloplasty was performed in the remaining 62 patients (group 2).

RESULTS

Both tricuspid valve repair techniques produced a low rate of complications; however, the number of patients who developed residual tricuspid regurgitation was significantly lower in group 1.

CONCLUSION

The biodegradable ring annuloplasty technique may be used easily and safely in moderate and severe cases of tricuspid regurgitation; however, larger clinical series are necessary to confirm our promising results.