Outcomes of De Vega versus biodegradable ring annuloplasty in the surgical treatment of tricuspid regurgitation (mid-term results).

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare De Vega semicircular annuloplasty and a new biodegradable ring annuloplasty technique in patients requiring surgical intervention for tricuspid valve disease with concomitant disease of the mitral valve.

Methods: Between January 2004 and May 2008, 129 consecutive patients underwent annuloplasty procedures to correct tricuspid valve regurgitation during a concomitant mitral valve operation requiring replacement. Additionally, 24 patients underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR), 11 underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 5 underwent AVR plus CABG, 3 underwent mitral valve replacement plus atrial septal defect (ASD) closure, and 2 underwent ASD closure. The patients in this study were assigned to 2 groups: Kalangos ring annuloplasty was performed in 67 patients (group 1), and De Vega semicircular annuloplasty was performed in the remaining 62 patients (group 2).

Results: Both tricuspid valve repair techniques produced a low rate of complications; however, the number of patients who developed residual tricuspid regurgitation was significantly lower in group 1.

Conclusion: The biodegradable ring annuloplasty technique may be used easily and safely in moderate and severe cases of tricuspid regurgitation; however, larger clinical series are necessary to confirm our promising results.