Trends and outcomes of tricuspid valve surgery in North America: an analysis of more than 50,000 patients from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database.

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated trends and outcomes of tricuspid valve surgery (TVS) in North America over the past decade.

METHODS

Adults undergoing TVS between 2000 and 2010 were identified in The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) National Database. Trends were evaluated using linear regression. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted using covariates from the STS valve risk model to identify significant predictors of operative mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 54,375 patients underwent TVS during the study period. The majority of cases were repairs (89%; n = 48,322) and were performed concomitant with another major procedure (86%; n = 46,593). The proportion of TVS that were repairs increased from 84.6% in 2000 to 89.8% in 2010 (p = 0.01). Trend analysis revealed significant changes in patient characteristics with time, including increasing age, a higher comorbidity burden, and a higher proportion of emergency cases. Despite worsening risk factors, unadjusted operative mortality for TVS declined from 10.6% in 2000 to 8.2% in 2010 (p < 0.001), and this trend persisted after risk adjustment. In the multivariable model, concomitant procedures involving multiple valves or coronary artery bypass grafting were associated with an increased risk of mortality compared with isolated TVS, although other factors including renal failure, congestive heart failure, nonelective presentation, reoperation, and tricuspid valve replacement exerted equal or stronger effects.

CONCLUSIONS

During the past decade, repair rates for TVS have increased significantly. Although patients undergoing TVS have demonstrated worsening risk factors, unadjusted and adjusted operative mortalities have declined. Finally, the data suggest that tricuspid valve repair when technically feasible, together with early elective surgical intervention, should be emphasized as potential candidates for continued outcome improvement.