Morphology of Right Atrioventricular Valve Annulus and Leaflets in Autopsy Specimens.

Corresponding Author:
Dr. Maheswary Thampi Santhakumary,
Associate Professor,
Department of Anatomy,
Government Medical College,
Kottayam, Kerala, India.
E-mail: drsmthampi@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Most tricuspid valve conditions are mechanical problems that will require surgery like valve repair and valve replacement. The proper size of the valve prosthesis and the size of the annuloplasty band are determined by the measurements of the valve annulus and leaflets. The present study is aimed to provide normal measurements of the tricuspid valve that would help cardiac surgeons in proper planning and execution of tricuspid valve surgeries.

METHODS

This descriptive study was conducted in 60 adult human hearts of both sexes during medico legal autopsy in the Department of Forensic Medicine, GMC Kottayam from November 2018 to April 2019. The heart specimens, free from any pathology, variation, were dissected. The diameter, circumference of the annulus and the length and height of the leaflets were measured. The range, mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation of each parameter were calculated.

RESULTS

In the present study, the circumference of the tricuspid valve measured 11.65+/- 1.28 cms. Diameter was recorded as 4.4 +/- 0.73 cms. The anterior leaflet was the largest in size while the posterior leaflet was the smallest. The length of the base of the leaflets was 4.59 +/- 1.15 cm, 2.86+/- 1 cms and 4.23+/- 0.94 cms for anterior, posterior and septal leaflet respectively. The mean height of the leaflets was 2.03 cms, 1.505 cms and 1.667 cms for anterior, posterior and septal leaflet respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The normal data on morphometric parameters of the tricuspid valve will help cardiovascular surgeons. It also helps in the designing and manufacture of prosthetic heart valves and annuloplasy rings.

KEY WORDS

Tricuspid Valve Complex, Annulus, Leaflets, Circumference, Diameter, Length of Leaflets, Annuloplasty, Prosthetic Valve