Case report Video-assisted tricuspid valve surgery: a new surgical option in endocarditis on pacemaker

A patient presenting with a pacemaker lead infection and tricuspid regurgitation underwent a minimally invasive video-assisted tricuspid valve replacement. The valve was approached through a right anterior mini thoracotomy. Under thoracoscopic vision and peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass, a catheter was placed on the ascending aorta for antegrade cardioplegia delivery. A transthoracic aortic crossclamp was introduced through the third right intercostal space. Tricuspid valve replacement added to the pacemaker leads ablation was exclusively performed under thoracoscopic vision, providing an excellent video-image in this reduced operative field. After 22 months of follow up, the patient is asymptomatic, the echocardiography showing a normally functioning valve. q 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.