• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.9
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• pp.633-637
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• 2003

Sometimes temporary tricuspid valve detachment is applied for closure of ventricular septal defect to facilitate good exposure and avoiding ventriculotomy, but most surgeons hesitate to do it in the fear of tricuspid incompetence. Moreover in recent textbooks the technique of temporary tricuspid detachment is only described for exceptional situations and is not further analysed or commented on. Material and Method: Retrospective study was carried out in all 11 patients operated between 1985 to 1994, with preoperative data and postoperative course and recent echocardiographic and electrocardiographic data. Result: On the basis of the area of the color flow jet, tricuspid valvular regurgitation was graded as none in 9 and trivial in 2, and significant electrocardiographic heart block did not developed in any patients. Conclusion: Takedown and attachment of the tricuspid valve is a safe and effective technique that improves exposure for ventricular septal defect, and does not adversely effect tricuspid valve competence and electrocardiography.