Evaluation of the Carpentier-Edwards porcine bioprosthesis in the tricuspid position.

In spite of the efficacy of tricuspid annuloplasty, there remain occasional cases in which tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) is indicated. There is to date no late follow-up data on the Carpentier-Edwards porcine bioprosthesis (CEPB) in the tricuspid position. We present a series of twelve consecutive cases of TVR with the CEPB. Ten patients had multiple valve replacements. The duration of follow-up was 5 to 50 months (mean 27.7 months) on all patients. The operative mortality was 18% (2/12), with 82% (10/12) actuarial 5-year survival. The mean valve follow-up was 2.3 years per prosthesis. Ten patients were in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class IV preoperatively. Postoperatively, eight patients moved to Class II, one to Class III and one remained unchanged. There was no valve replacement necessary. Subclinical pulmonary emboli were detected by lung scan in one patient for 4.3% events per year. Echocardiography revealed no evidence of orifice thrombus or leaflet calcification. In our opinion, the Carpentier-Edwards bioprosthesis can be used safely in the tricuspid position with satisfactory functional results.