Mitral homograft in tricuspid position: indications for implantation and surgical technique

Highlights

The article presents the latest data on the techniques of implantation of the mitral homograft in the tricuspid position, and identifies groups of patients who are best suited for this method. Moreover, the article describes the evolution of this type of replacement, and highlights that many surgical techniques, although justified, require further study to show demonstrate their advantages.

Abstract

Despite the general trend in cardiac surgery towards valve-preserving interventions, valve replacements remain relevant, and the search for the perfect prosthetic valve continues. Many believe that tricuspid valve replacement using a mitral homograft can be the method of choice in certain situations. The analysis of the studies found in the PubMed database led the authors to the following conclusions: most of the data on the use of this technique in patients with infective endocarditis (IE), other indications are congenital heart disease (CHD) and rheumatic heart disease. Patients with IE who have undergone tricuspid valve replacement using a mitral homograft have good medium-term prospects, and respond well to medical treatment of recurrent IE. The mitral homograft in the tricuspid position remains intact even after prosthetic endocarditis. In this regard, it is possible to perform reconstructive intervention in case of prosthetic valve dysfunction without the need for repeated replacement. Such interventions are relevant for patients with growing heart for whom annuloplasty at the first stage of surgery is undesirable. Moreover, it is also cost-effective due to the high cost and low availability of homografts. The possibility of repeated tricuspid valve-in-valve replacement is important for patients who may not survive open surgery. To date, there are not enough long-term and short-term data on using a mitral homograft for tricuspid valve replacement, however, it can be assumed that the results of this technique will be positive provided that the appropriate implantation technique and strict patient selection are ensured. Many authors have come to the conclusion that the optimal homograft implantation technique includes sewing of the graft`s papillary muscles into the wall of the myocardium of the right ventricle (RV), fixating them on the outer surface of the RV, anatomical positioning of the homograft (anterior leaflet faces towards the IVS), and the use of an annuloplasty ring.

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