A surgical technique of tricuspid valve repair for infective endocarditis using an autologous pericardium

Abstract We report a surgically treated case of tricuspid valve endocarditis. A 33-year-old man was diagnosed with ventricular septal defect (VSD) and active infective endocarditis associated with severe tricuspid regurgitation. Ultrasonic echocardiography (UCG) showed vegetations attached to the tricuspid valve. His blood culture was positive for Streptococcus oralis. Although intravenous antibiotics therapy was effective, chest computed tomography( CT) revealed multiple septic pulmonary enboli in right lung and UCG showed severe tricuspid valve regurgitation. So we performed tricuspid valve repair by reconstructing septal leaflet using an autologous pericardium, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene( ePTFE) artificial chordae and annuloplasty ring. The postoperative course was uneventful, without tricuspid regurgitation or stenosis. He has been free from any complication for over 8 months. This surgical technique of tricuspid valve repair with an autologous pericardium and ePTFE artificial chordae for infective endocarditis might be useful choice of procedure for patients with leaflet destruction, in particular for young patients because of less recurrence of infection, less chance of anticoagulant therapy and expected long uneventful course.