Basis for intervention on functional tricuspid regurgitation.

Functional tricuspid regurgitation is a complex valvular lesion. Its optimal management remains controversial in the current era as the result of uncertainties regarding accurate diagnosis, surgical indication, the appropriate surgical procedure, and the late results of surgical treatment. It is no longer regarded a benign problem and does not resolve spontaneously after correction of left-sided heart valve lesions as once believed. It carries a significant morbidity and has an adverse impact on survival. Current techniques to repair functional tricuspid regurgitation are associated with a significant degree of residual or recurrent regurgitation mainly because of failure to address all the components of this challenging entity. This review article highlights emerging concepts and advances that provide an insight into the understanding of this perplexing lesion and attempts to define the basis of intervention on functional tricuspid regurgitation. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.