The tricuspid valve is one of four heart valves, and it is located between the right atrium and right ventricle. It has flaps that open and close to pump blood through the heart. When the valve does not work properly, the heart cannot pump blood effectively, straining the circulatory system’s ability to move blood throughout the body.
Damage to the tricuspid valve can either appear as a congenital (present at birth) heart defect or an acquired (developed later in life) heart defect. Many patients with tricuspid valve disease do not have any symptoms and do not require treatment. If the condition is moderate or severe, the heart may become damaged requiring medication, minimally invasive treatment or surgical intervention.
There are three main types of tricuspid valve disease.
This is a congenital heart defect where the tricuspid valve does not form properly before birth. Instead of having a normal valve with flaps that open and close, babies born with tricuspid atresia have solid tissue that blocks the flow of blood. Surgery is usually necessary to correct the problem.
This is an acquired heart problem where the tricuspid valve becomes narrow or inflexible, reducing its ability to move blood through the heart to the rest of the body.
This acquired heart problem occurs when the tricuspid valve does not close correctly which allows blood to leak “backwards” through the heart. Blood from the leaky valve moves in the wrong direction each time the heart beats, resulting in increased blood in other areas of the heart which can cause heart damage.
Tricuspid valve disease can have a range of causes, including:
People with mild tricuspid valve disease may not have any symptoms. With more severe disease, patients may experience any of the following:
Experts do not fully understand why tricuspid atresia occurs in babies. In adults, the risk of developing tricuspid valve disease increases with age and is often related to other heart conditions. Making heart-healthy lifestyle choices including eating a diet filled with lean protein and vegetables and getting regular exercise may help reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Diagnosing valvular disease begins with a routine checkup from a health care provider. The provider will perform a physical examination, including listening to the heart with a stethoscope, and checking the blood pressure level. If an abnormality is detected, the provider may recommend additional testing.
The following tests may help diagnose tricuspid valve disease:
Tests can detect viruses or infections that can lead to heart disease.
X-ray technology takes a picture of the heart to identify enlargement or other structural defects.
This test uses sound waves to see the blood flow through the heart and heart valves to detect heartbeat abnormalities.
Also called an EKG or ECG, this test measures the heart’s electrical activity.
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam takes pictures of the coronary system using a powerful magnet and radio signals to create images of the heart, arteries and blood vessels.
Also called an angiogram, cardiac catheterization involves guiding a catheter through a blood vessel to the heart and coronary arteries. X-ray technology and contrast dye are used to identify abnormalities including reduced blood flow.
Patients without symptoms usually do not need treatment. When symptoms are present and interfere with quality of life, treatment may be recommended.
Memorial Hermann has the experience and technological capabilities to provide the full range of treatment options. Our affiliated physicians utilize a collaborative, team-based approach to evaluate and perform the most appropriate treatment procedures to address tricuspid valve disease. Our treatment options include:
Sometimes mild symptoms can be controlled with medication. However, medication does not solve the structural valve problem and additional intervention may be needed.
In the past, tricuspid valve repair required open-heart surgery. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a groundbreaking, minimally invasive option with a high success rate and low complication rate.
Tricuspid Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (T-TEER): The innovative T-TEER procedure repairs the faulty tricuspid valve with a clip device that restores the valve’s ability to properly open and close. A cardiologist makes a small incision and guides a catheter carrying the valve-repair device to the tricuspid valve to correct the abnormality.
Valves with more significant damage may need to be replaced with an artificial valve. Similar to heart valve repair, replacement used to be handled with open-heart surgery. The newer, minimally invasive option offers patients the treatment they need with fewer risks and faster recovery.
Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement (TTVR): The minimally invasive TTVR procedure replaces a faulty tricuspid valve with an artificial valve. A catheter, which contains the artificial valve, is inserted through a small incision and is guided to the heart where it is positioned in place of the damaged valve.
The esteemed physicians affiliated with Memorial Hermann perform the latest interventions to correct tricuspid valve disease. Memorial Hermann is one of few medical centers with the capability to perform these innovative procedures, utilizing a cohesive, team approach with experienced clinicians and advanced imaging capabilities.
Tricuspid valve disease is often related to other cardiac conditions. It is important to see your health care provider on a regular basis to identify any problems that may exist. If symptoms like shortness of breath or fatigue keep you from fully engaging in daily activities, it is time to see your provider. Memorial Hermann is dedicated to diagnosing and treating a range of heart conditions to help patients stay active and healthy.
If you’d like a referral to a heart and vascular specialist or want more information about our services, please fill out the form below or call us at (713) 219-3519. For other inquiries, such as obtaining medical records, imaging reports or test results, please call (713) 222-CARE (2273).