Technique for tricuspid annuloplasty with a flexible linear reducer: medium-term results.

The surgical treatment for tricuspid incompetence requires a choice between reconstruction or replacement with a prosthetic valve. The conservative approach offers many advantages in functional tricuspid incompetence. Our technique for annuloplasty utilizes a flexible linear reducer (FLR) to support a selective reduction of the distended portion of the anulus. The insertion of the septal leaflet is always left free, and physiological flexibility of the tricuspid anulus is assured. The repaired valve is sturdy because of the prosthetic support, and inserting the FLR is simple and poses no risk to the His bundle. The medium-term results (mean follow-up 10 months) in 20 consecutive patients (all with a complete postoperative reinvestigation) are satisfactory. Because this procedure is simple and harmless, it frequently can be applied for direct correction of functional tricuspid incompetence during polyvalvular operation.