Sonomicrometry-derived 3-dimensional geometry of the human tricuspid annulus.

Surgical correction of functional tricuspid regurgitation is focused on prosthetic reduction and remodeling of the tricuspid annulus. We set out to investigate the precise geometry of the human tricuspid annulus to better guide surgical therapy. Eleven human donor hearts with normal right ventricular function and without tricuspid regurgitation that were rejected for clinical transplantation were harvested. Sonomicrometry crystals were sewn around the tricuspid annulus and pressure sensors placed in the right ventricle and right atrium. The hearts were studied in the TransMedics Organ Care System (Andover, Mass) ex vivo perfusion apparatus in the right heart working model. Data were acquired at baseline and before and after bolus calcium infusion. Annular height, dimensions, strain, and curvature were calculated based on 3-dimensional crystal coordinates. Maximal annular area was 997 ± 258 mm The human tricuspid annulus is a complex 3-dimensional dynamic structure with its high points and maximal degree of bending at the anteroseptal commissure and midposterior annulus. These detailed geometric data may aid the design of more physiologic annular prostheses and surgical reparative techniques.

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