Valvectomy Versus Replacement for the Surgical Treatment of Tricuspid Endocarditis

Tricuspid valve endocarditis patients who undergo tricuspid valve excision, repair, and replacement have similar 30-day operative mortality, as defined by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Excision patients have significantly lower unplanned readmission rates at 1 year. Tricuspid valvectomy is an acceptable initial treatment in this high-risk group as part of a surgical strategy to identify patients who are candidates for eventual valve replacement. Further study of long-term outcomes and survival is warranted.