Changes in the Tricuspid Valve Complex Induced by Mitral Valve Annuloplasty
Changes in the Tricuspid Valve Complex Induced by Mitral Valve Annuloplasty
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of isolated mitral valve annuloplasty on
 the geometry and the function of the tricuspid valve complex.
The proposed pathogenesis of functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in mitral valve disease
 seems incomplete. Because both atrioventricular valves are closely connected to each other by
 means of the cardiac fibrous skeleton, the geometry of the tricuspid valve is likely to be
 distorted after ring-annuloplasty of the mitral valve. This could lead to the development of
 functional TR, or to an increase in TR severity. To test this hypothesis, a prospective study
 will be started in patients undergoing isolated mitral valve annuloplasty.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  all patients 18 years of age or older undergoing minimally invasive, isolated mitral
 valve annuloplasty

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  concomitant tricuspid valve surgery

 -  atrial fibrillation at the moment of surgery

 -  poor echocardiographic windows