ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the operative indication, the choice of valve prostheses, and the method of anticoagulation therapy of tricuspid valve replacement (TVR).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From May 1998 to January 2008, 70 patients underwent TVR. There were 59 cases of rheumatic heart diseases. The operations included mitral and tricuspid valve replacement for 37 cases, triple valve replacement for 18 cases, isolated TVR for 13 cases, and tricuspid and aortic valve replacement for 2 cases. All the patients received oral anticoagulant therapy (warfarin) 2 d after the operations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 3 in-hospital deaths (4.3%) and 1 late death (0.4%). The follow-up rate was 88.1%, and the cumulative follow-up was 243.5 patient-years (pty). The anticoagulation-related event rate was 2.9% pty, and the mean INR value of 643 out-patient samples was 1.87 +/- 0.68. Post-operative heart function NYHA classification: 52 cases in class I to II, and 7 cases in class III.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>TVR should be indicated for severely damaged and deformed tricuspid valve of rheumatic heart diseases. Bileaflet mechanical valve is a suitable prosthesis for TVR. The optimal anticoagulation therapy intensity of TVR needs to be investigated.</p>