Overview

Tricuspid valve repair and tricuspid valve replacement are procedures that treat diseases affecting the tricuspid valve, one of four valves that control blood flow through the heart.

The tricuspid valve helps keep blood flowing in the right direction through the heart. It separates one of the heart's two upper and lower chambers (atria and ventricles). With each heartbeat, the atria fill with blood from the body and lungs, and the ventricles contract to pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body.

As the atria fill to capacity, the tricuspid valve opens to allow blood to flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle. As the ventricles contract, the tricuspid valve shuts tightly to prevent blood from flowing back into the right atrium.

If the tricuspid valve isn't working correctly, it can interfere with the proper direction of blood flow and force the heart to work harder to send blood to the lungs and the rest of your body.

Tricuspid valve repair or tricuspid valve replacement can treat tricuspid valve disease and help restore normal blood flow, reduce symptoms, improve survival in some people and help preserve the function of your heart muscle.