Assessment of tricuspid valve morphology and function

The tricuspid valve (TV) is a complex structure, and its function plays an important role in several heart diseases, including left-sided valve disease and heart failure. The development of functional tricuspid regurgitation is directly associated with increased morbidity and mortality.1-5 These data have increased the motivation to repair functional tricuspid regurgitation, especially at the time of concomitant surgery for left-sided disease. 3 However, the unsatisfactory results of current approaches suggest an incomplete understanding of the anatomy and underlying mechanisms. 3,6 As in the case of mitral regurgitation, a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying functional tricuspid regurgitation could potentially suggest more effective surgical treatment.