Trikuspidapplastikk

Trikuspidapplastikk is a surgical procedure to repair or replace the tricuspid valve in the heart. The tricuspid valve is one of the four valves in the heart that controls blood flow. It is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle. If this valve is not functioning correctly, it can lead to various heart problems.

There are different reasons why a person might need trikuspidapplastikk. These include tricuspid regurgitation, where the valve does not close properly, allowing blood to leak backward, or tricuspid stenosis, where the valve opening is narrowed, restricting blood flow forward. These conditions can cause symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and abdomen, and an irregular heartbeat.

The procedure can be performed using open-heart surgery or minimally invasive techniques. Open-heart surgery involves making a larger incision in the chest to access the heart directly. Minimally invasive surgery uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments, often guided by imaging technology. During the surgery, the surgeon will either repair the existing tricuspid valve, which may involve reshaping or reinforcing the valve leaflets and supporting structures, or replace it with an artificial valve, either mechanical or biological. The choice between repair and replacement, and the type of prosthetic valve used, depends on the patient's specific condition, age, and overall health. Recovery time and potential complications vary depending on the surgical approach and the individual patient.