Papillary muscle approximation to septum for functional tricuspid regurgitation.

Current techniques for repair of functional tricuspid regurgitation are associated with a significant degree of residual or recurrent regurgitation. We describe a technique of anterior papillary muscle attachment to the septum to correct residual tricuspid regurgitation persisting after annuloplasty. In our early experience in 15 patients (6 men and 9 women) with a mean age of 32 ± 11 years, who underwent annuloplasty for severe functional tricuspid regurgitation secondary to rheumatic mitral valve disease, this technique effectively eliminated residual tricuspid regurgitation.