Multimodality Imaging of the Tricuspid Valve for Assessment and Guidance of Transcatheter Repair

Abstract

The tricuspid valve is a highly complex structure, with variability in the number of leaflets and scallops. The mechanism of regurgitation is multifactorial in etiology, a mix of functional and degenerative tricuspid regurgitation. Iatrogenic tricuspid regurgitation is becoming more common secondary to pacemaker wire impingement of leaflet function and coaptation. Echocardiographic imaging of the tricuspid valve is particularly challenging given its anatomic location and other interfering structures, including pacemaker wires. Preprocedural planning and intraprocedural guidance for transcatheter intervention relies on a comprehensive understanding of tricuspid anatomy and the use of 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography. The incorporation of computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging likely will provide increasing accuracy and optimization of procedural success.

Keywords: 3D printing; CT; MRI; Transcatheter; Transesophageal echocardiogram; Tricuspid.