Thoracoscopic assistance in tricuspid valvuloplasty in an unarrested state: a case report and literature review

Tricuspid regurgitation, a common tricuspid lesion, consists of organic and functional tricuspid insufficiency (FTI). FTI is usually secondary to the valvular heart disease in left atrium. Pulmonary hypertension may result in right ventricular and tricuspid annular enlargement. This report documents our findings of tricuspid valve surgery under cardiac arrest with telescopic assistance. A 65-year-old female patient referred to our department received thoracoscope-associated tricuspid valvuloplasty. The patient exhibited a history of intermittent dyspnea and shortness of breath for 20 years, together with edema in the lower limbs for 3 months. A small incision was made, prior to an additional incision of about 3 cm in length before localization was performed at the lateral side of the 4th midclavicular line. The satellite hole was localized at the 5th midaxillary line. The operation was completed under cardiopulmonary bypass with a beating heart. Echocardiogram (ECG) analysis 10 days post-surgery indicated no clinically significant findings. Finally, the patient was discharged with slight tricuspid regurgitation .Thoracoscopy-associated heart surgery reduces postoperative pain and shortens postoperative recovery time. It is in line with the concept of rapid recovery and beauty needs. Our data confirmed that thoracoscope-assisted tricuspid valvuloplasty in an unarrested state was effective for the treatment of patients with tricuspid insufficiency, secondary to post-cardiac surgery.