Compare the tricuspid valve functionwith or without tricuspid valve detachment in closure of ventricular septal defect

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is defined as a defect in the interventricular septum. It is the second most prevalent congenital heart disease following bicuspid aortic valve and makes up 5% of the congenital heart diseases. Although most VSDs tend to close on their own in the first year of life, larger defects should be percutaneously or surgically closed to prevent right ventricular strain and right ventricular failure. A safe and effective closure without tricuspid valve and the atrioventricular node injury is of vital importance when the frequency of the procedure is considered. A total of 165 patients with a diagnosis VSD who underwent surgical closure of VSD were included in this retrospective study. Patients were grouped into two groups depending on the excised leaflet of the tricuspid valve 86 patients (Group 1) had their anterior leaflet excised, where 79 patients (Group 2) had their posterior leaflet excised. Diagnosis was based on preoperative catheter angiography and echocardiography. Echocardiography was repeated at 1st week, 1st month and 6- 12th months to evaluate postoperative residual VSD, and postoperative tricuspid regurgitation. Patients in Group 1 and 2 were compared regarding aortic cross- clamp time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, duration of intubation, length of stay in intensive care unit and hospital, postoperative residual VSD, postoperative tricuspid regurgitation, postoperative morbidity and mortality. Tricuspid regurgitation or dysfunction was not detected in any groups. Furthermore, none of the other parameters differed between two groups. Our study has shown that elaborate tricuspid leaflet incision for adequate visualization allows a safe and effective closure of VSD. Keywords: ventricular septal defect, tricuspid valve, tricuspid regurgitation.