Excision of tricuspid valve with later replacement in endocarditis of drug addiction.

Staphylococcal endocarditis in a drug addict was controlled only after excision of the tricuspid valve. Total absence of the tricuspid valve was tolerated well for 18 months, at which time deteriorating liver function prompted the insertion of a bioprosthetic valve into the tricuspid ring. The haemodynamic and clinical results after two years of follow-up have been excellent.