Tricuspid Regurgitation
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What is Tricuspid Regurgitation?
Tricuspid regurgitation is a condition in which the tricuspid valve, which controls blood flow from the heart to the lungs, does not close as tightly as it should when the heart contracts. This lets blood flow backward into the right atrium.
Over time, tricuspid regurgitation can strain the right side of the heart and affect how well blood moves through the lungs and the rest of the body.
The heart and vascular specialists at University of Rochester Medicine provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for tricuspid regurgitation. We are here to help you manage symptoms and protect your heart.
What Are the Symptoms of Tricuspid Regurgitation?
Symptoms of tricuspid regurgitation can vary depending on the severity of the valve leak and how well the heart is compensating. Common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen
- Reduced activity tolerance
- Reduced appetite or a feeling of fullness
These symptoms can gradually interfere with daily activities, exercise, and overall comfort. Because symptoms may develop slowly, some people do not realize they have a valve problem until it is more advanced.
What Causes Tricuspid Regurgitation?
Tricuspid regurgitation can develop for several reasons. In many cases, the valve itself is normal, but changes in the heart cause it to stop closing properly. Causes may include:
- Enlargement of the right side of the heart, which can stretch the valve and prevent a tight seal
- Infection of the heart valve (endocarditis), which can damage valve tissue
- Pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads that interfere with the valve leaflets
Conditions that increase pressure in the lungs or weaken the heart muscle can also increase the risk of tricuspid regurgitation.
Treatments for Tricuspid Regurgitation
URochester Medicine is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of complex heart valve disease. Our experts will begin with a detailed evaluation, including advanced cardiac imaging such as echocardiography or CT scan, to assess valve function and heart structure. Our specialists will then work together to develop a personalized care plan.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
For some, symptoms can be managed with medical therapy and close monitoring:
- Medications — to reduce fluid buildup, control symptoms, and support heart function.
- Ongoing monitoring — to track changes in valve function over time.
Surgical and Interventional Treatment Options
When tricuspid regurgitation is severe, surgical treatment may be recommended:
- Tricuspid valve repair – reshaping or reinforcing the existing valve by surgery.
- At URochester Medicine, we use TRICLIP, the clip by ABBOTT.
- Tricuspid valve replacement – replacing the existing valve with a prosthetic valve.
- At URochester Medicine, we use the EVOQUE VALVE.
- This can be done with surgery or a transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement, a less invasive procedure.
- Advanced valve interventions – less invasive approaches may be available as part of specialized care or clinical research.
Our team will explain all options clearly and help you understand each approach.
What Sets Us Apart?
At URochester Medicine, our cardiology care team offers collaborative and innovative treatments.
- Multidisciplinary team approach – Coordinated care that may include cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, electrophysiologists, heart failure specialists, and expert echocardiographers.
- Well-established valve team – Our providers have extensive experience managing complex and advanced heart valve conditions.
- Innovative care – As an academic health system, we offer access to the latest advances in cardiovascular medicine.
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