Regional Changes in Leaflet Coaptation Dynamics After Total Tricuspid Reconstruction

In a porcine experimental model, a competent tricuspid valve was constructed using extracellular matrix tube graft material. Coaptation geometry was significantly different from native valves with an increased coaptation zone because of excessive leaflet tissue in the tube graft valves. The tube graft tended to prolapse into the atrium, but it did not compromise the motion and competence of the leaflets.