Tricuspid leaflet augmentation with an autologous pericardial patch for recurrent severe tricuspid regurgitation that occurred after suture annuloplasty

We, herein, report the use of tricuspid leaflet augmentation with an autologous pericardial patch to treat a patient with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) that occurred after suture annuloplasty. The patient underwent mitral valve replacement for rheumatic mitral disease and tricuspid suture annuloplasty for moderate TR 23 years ago. She developed right-sided heart failure associated with severe TR. Leaflet augmentation with an autologous pericardial patch and ring annuloplasty were applied at redo surgery. Postoperative echocardiography showed trivial TR with significant improvement of the patient's symptoms. We have now performed this technique on three cases of severe recurrent TR that occurred after suture annuloplasty, and excellent early results were obtained in each case.