Tricuspid Valve Disease

Tricuspid valve disease is a condition in which the valve between the two right heart chambers, called the right ventricle and right atrium, does not function properly or is damaged. This condition often occurs with other heart valve problems. The tricuspid valve has three flaps that control the direction and flow of blood. There are several types of tricuspid valve disease, including tricuspid valve regurgitation, in which the tricuspid valve does not close properly and blood flows back into the heart's upper right chamber; tricuspid valve stenosis, in which the tricuspid valve is narrowed; tricuspid atresia, a condition present at birth in which a wall of tissue blocks blood flow between right heart chambers; and Ebstein's anomaly, which is a malformed tricuspid valve that sits lower than normal in the right ventricle, causing blood to flow back into the right atrium. Rheumatic fever is the most common cause of tricuspid valve disease, but other causes include coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure and trauma to the heart. Depending on the severity of the condition, surgery may be required. Otherwise, medications are used to control symptoms associated with the disease.

Why UAB

With the first and largest comprehensive heart valve program in the state, UAB Medicine provides continuing care for patients who have or are at risk for valve disease. Our team of surgeons and cardiologists are among the nation’s most highly regarded physicians, and they provide a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of valve disease. From aortic valve stenosis to mitral valve regurgitation, and from traditional open-heart surgery to the latest in minimally invasive procedures and robotic-assisted valve repair surgery, UAB patients benefit from our expertise in treating patients with valve disease.

The UAB Comprehensive Valve Program has built an impressive list of accomplishments in recent years. Our cardiologists and heart surgeons performed the first transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in Alabama; to date UAB has performed more TAVRs than any other hospital in the state. As an added service, patients who have been told by non-UAB doctors that they need valve surgery can speak to a UAB valve surgeon for a second opinion.

Images and Videos

Take a video tour of the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic at Acton Road.

Patients like Sarah Ford travel to UAB because of the experienced surgeons and cutting-edge care.

Heart valve disease affects patients of all ages, but there are effective treatments and lifestyle changes you can make to improve your condition.

PHYSICIANS

Constantine L. Athanasuleas, MD

Abbey M. Barrow, CRNP

David C. Cleveland, MD

Robert J. Dabal, MD

James E. Davies Jr., MD

Lisa Findley, CRNP, DNP

William L. Holman, MD

Joanna Joly, MD

Andrew J. Lenneman, MD

Sara J. Pereira, MD

Jose' A. Tallaj, MD

Related Conditions

This procedure may be used to treat or diagnose several different conditions. We have listed some of these conditions below for your convenience. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list and may vary depending on your specific diagnosis.

Heart Valve Disease

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for the diagnosis and treatment of tricuspid valve disease. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.

View Clinical Trials