Ventricular septal defect closure using radial incision of the tricuspid valve for exposure: is it really necessary?

Aim To evaluate the effects of radial incision of the tricuspid valve in patients who had undergone ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure.Methods Overall 173 patients were included in this study between 2012 and 2019. In 44 individuals, a tricuspid valve radial incision (TVRI) was included in the surgical process.Results There were no mortalities. The demographic data did not differ between the groups. The mean ages of the TVRI and non-TVRI groups were 2.92 ± 3.88 and 2.69 ± 2.80 years, respectively. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of mean duration of cardiopulmonary bypass aortic cross-clamp, postoperative intubation time and intensive care unit stay. Mild tricuspid valve regurgitation was detected in only two patients in the TVRI and six patients in the non-TVRI groups. There was no tricuspid valve stenosis and all patients were in New York Heart Association functional class 1.Conclusion This technique, which can facilitate exposure and closure of VSDs, did not compromise the tricuspid valve function at mid-term, therefore proving to be safe.