Tricuspid Valve Disease

The right ventricle is responsible for sending blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen. If the tricuspid valve is damaged, the right ventricle has to work harder, which can cause swelling in the legs, liver, or abdomen and lead to serious health problems.

Tricuspid Regurgitation (Insufficiency)

• Most common form. The valve doesn't close tightly, allowing blood to flow backward into the right atrium.
• Causes: Pulmonary hypertension, left-sided heart failure, endocarditis, or trauma.

Tricuspid Stenosis

• The valve becomes narrowed, limiting blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle.
• Rare; often caused by rheumatic heart disease or carcinoid syndrome.

Ebstein Anomaly

• A congenital defect where the tricuspid valve is malformed and positioned abnormally, causing regurgitation and arrhythmias.

Carcinoid Heart Disease

• A result of carcinoid tumors releasing serotonin-like substances that damage the tricuspid valve (and often the pulmonary valve).

Infective Endocarditis

• Infection of the tricuspid valve, often seen in people who use intravenous drugs or have indwelling lines.

Tricuspid Valve Prolapse

• Leaflets of the valve bulge backward during contraction, potentially leading to regurgitation.

Functional (Secondary) Tricuspid Valve Disease

• Valve is structurally normal but becomes dysfunctional due to right ventricular enlargement or pressure overload.

Most centers focus on traditional open-heart surgery, but the UC Health Cardiovascular team leads in advanced, less invasive treatments, including trisucpid valve implantation. Patients have access to minimally invasive procedures and tissue-engineered valve solutions that reduce recovery time and improve outcomes. UC Health’s commitment to innovation means patients benefit from the latest research and technology, setting a new standard for care in tricuspid valve disease.

Tricuspid valve disease, also called tricuspid insufficiency or valve regurgitation, can cause a wide range of symptoms. Early signs are often subtle and may be mistaken for other conditions.

Common Symptoms

• Fatigue or feeling unusually tired, especially with activity
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen (edema)
• Heart palpitations, which feel like fluttering or pounding in the chest
• Shortness of breath, especially when lying down
• Mild chest discomfort or pressure

Advanced or Less Obvious Symptoms

• Unexplained weight gain from fluid buildup
• Enlarged liver or tenderness in the upper right abdomen
• Frequent urination at night
• Cool or bluish hands and feet due to poor blood flow
• Fainting or dizziness, especially during exertion

Swelling is a common symptom of tricuspid valve disease and often signals that the right side of the heart is struggling to pump blood efficiently. Some people may also notice irregular heartbeats or chest pain, though these are less common. Recognizing both early and advanced symptoms helps ensure timely diagnosis and care.

Tricuspid valve disease can develop for many reasons, affecting the right side of the heart. Some people are born with a congenital heart defect, which means the valve did not form normally before birth. Others may develop the condition later in life due to infections like infective endocarditis, where bacteria or other germs infect the heart’s inner lining.

Certain inherited conditions, such as Marfan syndrome—a disorder that affects connective tissue—can increase the risk of right atrioventricular valve dysfunction. Medical problems like atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) can also put extra strain on the tricuspid valve.

Lifestyle choices and health history play a role as well. Risk increases with:

• Use of intravenous drugs, which raises the chance of heart infections
• Previous heart surgeries or trauma to the chest
• Long-term use of certain medications that affect heart valves

UC Health’s Cardiovascular team has deep experience diagnosing and treating even the rarest causes of tricuspid valve disease. Their expertise helps patients get answers and care for both common and complex risk factors.

Diagnosing tricuspid valve disease begins with a careful review of symptoms and a physical exam. Doctors often use an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, to see how the right ventricle and the tricuspid valve flaps are working. This test helps spot problems like valve leaks or narrowing.

UC Health uses advanced imaging, such as 3D surgical modeling, to get a detailed look at the heart’s structure. These models allow heart specialists to see the exact shape and movement of the tricuspid valve and right ventricle. This level of detail helps guide treatment decisions and plan for less invasive procedures.

Other tests may include electrocardiograms (EKG), chest X-rays, or cardiac MRI to check for changes in heart size or rhythm. With these tools, UC Health provides precise, early diagnosis, setting the stage for the most effective care.

Tricuspid valve disease can be managed with several approaches, depending on the severity and cause of the problem. Treatments range from medications to control symptoms, to advanced procedures that repair or replace the tricuspid valve, also known as the right atrioventricular valve. UC Health leads in offering less invasive options, including endoscopic triple valve surgery and sternal-sparing techniques, which avoid opening the breastbone.

Minimally Invasive and Advanced Surgical Options

Traditional open-heart surgery is not the only choice for tricuspid valve repair or replacement. UC Health specializes in minimally invasive procedures that use small incisions and advanced tools, reducing pain and speeding up recovery. These include:

• Endoscopic triple valve surgery: Surgeons repair or replace up to three heart valves using a camera and special instruments, minimizing trauma to the chest.
• Sternal-sparing techniques: These methods avoid cutting through the breastbone, leading to less discomfort and a quicker return to daily activities.
• Valve replacement: When repair is not possible, the damaged valve may be replaced with a mechanical valve (made from durable materials) or a biological valve (made from animal or human tissue).

Tissue-Engineered and Innovative Therapies

UC Health is at the forefront of tissue-engineered valve therapies, offering options that use living tissue to create new valves. These advanced treatments can be especially helpful for patients who are not candidates for traditional surgery or who need a more durable solution.

• Tissue-engineered valves: These are made from natural materials that help the body heal and grow new tissue.
• Participation in clinical trials: Patients may have access to the latest therapies, including new types of valves and less invasive procedures, through UC Health’s research and clinical trial programs.

UC Health’s team works closely with each patient to choose the best treatment plan, focusing on safety, long-term results, and quality of life.

Early evaluation for tricuspid valve disease is important, even if symptoms seem mild or come and go. Warning signs like swelling, shortness of breath, heart failure, or blood clots should never be ignored.

When to Contact a Valve Specialist

• New or worsening swelling in the legs, abdomen, or feet
• Unexplained fatigue, heart palpitations, or chest discomfort
• Signs of heart failure, such as trouble breathing or sudden weight gain

UC Health’s valve center connects you with specialists who can assess your symptoms and recommend the next steps. Schedule a visit with UC Health valve experts if you notice any of these changes.

Recovery after tricuspid valve surgery often involves gradual lifestyle changes and ongoing self-care. Following your care team’s exercise guidelines helps protect your heart and supports a safe return to daily activities. Regular checkups and monitoring for symptoms—such as swelling, fatigue, or shortness of breath—are important for catching complications early.

UC Health leads clinical trials for the CorTricuspid ECM Valve , a next-generation tissue-engineered option that reduces the need for open-heart surgery. This commitment to research and minimally invasive techniques means more patients can access life-changing treatments with shorter recovery times.

Specialists at UC Health also excel in advanced heart failure management, ensuring comprehensive support for even the most complex cases. By combining surgical innovation with patient-centered care, UC Health delivers expertise that sets a new standard for tricuspid valve disease treatment.