In tricuspid valve regurgitation (also known as leaky heart valve), the tricuspid valve does not close properly resulting in blood leaking backwards from the right ventricle into the right atrium.

(Above) Illustration of a heart with normal valve versus a heart with tricuspid valve regurgitation

The tricuspid valve separates the two chambers on the right side of the heart. It allows bloods to flow from the right upper chamber (right atrium) to the right lower chamber (right ventricle) of the heart without significant backflow.

When the tricuspid valve regurgitation becomes severe, it can lead to congestion in various organs such as the liver and the kidney, and affect their function. Severe tricuspid regurgitation has been shown to be associated with significant mortality and morbidity.

​Tricuspid valve regurgitation can affect the heart function and can cause symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Abdominal swelling
• Leg swelling
  
  

​Tricuspid valve regurgitation is typically diagnosed with:

• A clinical evaluation comprising history and physical examinations
• An ultrasound of the heart called an echocardiogram
  
  

Tricuspid valve regurgitation can be managed with medications for symptom relief or surgery to replace or repair the valve. However, for some patients, the operative risks were high and the condition was left largely untreated.

With the advancement and availability of less invasive transcatheter valve therapies, such as the TriClip and TricValve, selected patients who are unsuitable for open heart surgery might be able to get their condition treated. Although these are relatively new procedures for which long-term data on outcomes are still being studied, they are additional options for patients with significant symptoms who are deemed unsuitable for surgery.