Tricuspid Valve Stenosis

When this heart valve narrows, it creates two main problems:

1. Increased pressure buildup: Blood has difficulty moving from the upper chamber (right atrium) to the lower chamber (right ventricle), leading to increased pressure behind the valve and a risk of heart failure.
2. Reduced blood flow: Less blood can be pumped from the right side of your heart to your lungs, which can lead to fluid retention in your body, particularly in your legs, liver, and abdomen.

Stenosis of the tricuspid valve can make your heart work harder and may cause general weakness (fatigue), swelling and shortness of breath.

Causes of Tricuspid Stenosis 

The leading cause of TS is rheumatic heart disease, with over 90% of cases linked to this condition. 

Tricuspid stenosis is often accompanied by other heart valve diseases, such as mitral valve stenosis or aortic valve stenosis. 

Isolated TS develop because of:

• Congenital heart defect

• Carcinoid tumors

Less common causes include:

• Damage to the heart from a biopsy or pacemaker placement 

• Radiation therapy

• Infective endocarditis

• Large blood cysts

Tricuspid Stenosis Symptoms

The most important TS signs and symptoms you may experience include:

• Breathlessness

• Lethargy

• Swollen ankles  

• Blue/purple tint to your skin (cyanosis)

• Swollen neck veins 

• Enlarged liver 

• Less common: sudden weight gain from fluid retention 

If you experience any of these TS symptoms, you should visit a doctor at your earliest convenience.

Your cardiologist may detect:

• A heart murmur at the lower breastbone

• Visible pulsing in your neck veins 

• An enlarged right side of your heart

Diagnosing Tricuspid Stenosis 

Early diagnosis of tricuspid valve disease is vital for managing the condition, but the rarity of tricuspid stenosis can make it more challenging to detect.

Tricuspid Valve Stenosis Treatment in London

The severity of your TS will determine your treatment plan.

Mild tricuspid valve stenosis can be kept under control through medication and regular monitoring. Medical management includes medications like diuretics and beta blockers to prevent complications.

For patients with severe tricuspid stenosis, the most effective option is usually a surgical procedure, such as a tricuspid valve repair or replacement.

Learn more about our keyhole tricuspid stenosis treatments in London.

Benefits of Keyhole Tricuspid Stenosis

There are many benefits to keyhole surgery over traditional open-heart surgery, which is why we recommend it for all our eligible patients.

Explore the benefits of our keyhole tricuspid valve repair and replacement.

• Less recovery time is necessary, which means you can get back to your daily life and favourite activities in weeks rather than a few months.
• Less bleeding because the incision is so much smaller.
• Less chance of infection with scarring
• Virtually no chance of any bone infection as the breastbone remains intact.
• Scarring is smaller and much less noticeable, making it a more aesthetically pleasing outcome.
• Much less pain. Although you will experience discomfort, the pain should not rival that of open-heart surgery, as no bones are broken, and the incision is so much smaller.

Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Implantation (TTVI)

At The Keyhole Heart Clinic, we also provide transcatheter tricuspid valve implantations to treat certain stenosis cases. TTVI is a less invasive type of treatment and is best for people who are too weak to undergo traditional heart surgery.

Your personal health history will also determine whether a TTVI approach is best for you, and this will all be covered in your consultation.

During a TTVI procedure, we:

1.  Insert a catheter into a small incision – usually on the leg.
2. The catheter passes to the heart and is positioned where the natural or mechanical valve replacement needs to be placed.
3. A balloon on the end of the catheter is gently inflated, and the replacement valve is inserted.

This is a minimally invasive procedure:

• Only leaves subtle scarring
• Allows you to return to your daily activities soon after.

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Keyhole Heart Clinic: Expert Support, Valve Repair & Replacement  

Mr Inder Birdi, cardiologist and director of The Keyhole Heart Clinic, is one of the few surgeons worldwide with the qualifications and experience to perform minimally invasive surgeries like:

• Keyhole aortic valve replacement

• Keyhole atrial fibrillation ablation

• Keyhole atrial septal defect closure

As early intervention and prevention are the best approaches to heart health, we provide comprehensive heart screening services at our London and Essex Heart Clinics.

Book an appointment or give us a call, and a friendly member of the team will be glad to answer any questions you may have about tricuspid valve stenosis surgery in London.