Modified semicircular constricting annuloplasty (Sagban's annuloplasty) in severe functional tricuspid regurgitation: Alternative surgical technique and its mid-term results

Objective: De Vega annuloplasty is one of the most effective methods used in surgical correction of functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR). Physiologic annular motions are protected by De Vega annuloplasty. However, recurrent tricuspid regurgitation secondary to Bowstring (Guitar string) phenomenon may be seen after De Vega annuloplasty as a result of gliding (jiggle) effect. The aim of this new annuloplasty was to prevent Bowstring phenomenon seen in De Vega annuloplasty. Methods: Twenty-five patients with severe FTR secondary to the left-sided valvular heart disease were included in this study. Modified semicircular constricting annuloplasty (Sagban's annuloplasty): The procedure is performed utilizing 0 and 2-0 polypropylene sutures. At first, 0 and 2-0 polypropylene sutures are fixed and knotted at anteroseptal and posteroseptal comissural regions (named as anchoring points). 2-0 Polypropylene sutures which come from anchoring points in clockwise and counterclockwise direction are used to encircle the free wall annulus as well as 0 polypropylene sutures in spiral fashion (spiral annulary suture technique). When both sutures get to the anteroposterior comissural region (tying point), they are passed through plastic snares. After the annuloplasty is completed, with the heart beating and the pulmonary artery clamped, competency of the valve is tested by injecting saline into the right ventricular chamber before the adjusting suture is tied. In this annuloplasty, 0 polypropylene sutures are used for reduction and constriction, 2-0 polypropylene sutures are used for the fixation of 0 polypropylene sutures in annular level. Results: FTR improved totally in 16 patients (66.7%), 4 patients (16.7%) had first degree, 3 patients (12.5%) had second degree, and only 1 patient (4.2%) had third degree residual tricuspid regurgitation in an average follow-up period of 17.8 months. One patient died from low cardiac output in early postoperative period. Conclusion: There is no risk of recurrent regurgitation secondary to Bowstring phenomenon in this alternative annuloplasty technique and this annuloplasty is cost-effective and performed easily