This meta-analysis, published in the Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, investigates the impact of concomitant tricuspid surgery (CTR) on patient outcomes during left-sided valve procedures. The research synthesizes findings from multiple studies to provide a robust evaluation of this surgical approach.
The primary objective was to compare the clinical outcomes, including survival rates and postoperative complications, for patients who underwent concurrent tricuspid valve repair alongside mitral or aortic valve surgery versus those who did not receive tricuspid repair.
Key Findings
The study analyzed data from 36 studies involving over 76,000 patients. Key findings indicate that:
- Concomitant tricuspid surgery significantly reduces cardiac mortality.
- There was no significant difference in overall mortality between the groups.
- The procedure leads to improved late tricuspid regurgitation.
- Major postoperative morbidities such as stroke, wound infection, and reoperation rates did not significantly increase.
Significance
The research highlights that performing tricuspid valve surgery concurrently with left-sided valve procedures offers a significant survival benefit, primarily through a reduction in cardiac mortality. This proactive strategy is associated with improved long-term outcomes and reduced late tricuspid regurgitation without a notable increase in morbidity.
The full study is accessible through the Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery.
