Tricuspid Valve Repair in Pediatric Patients Using Artificial Neochordae: Systematic Review of Current Evidence

Artificial neochordae crafted from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene are commonly utilized in mitral valve repair. Yet their application in tricuspid valve repair, particularly in the pediatric demographic, remains relatively unexplored. Upon reviewing the available literature, we have identified pediatric patients with tricuspid valve regurgitation, primarily of congenital origin and diagnosed at birth, who underwent repair procedures involving artificial neochordal implantation. Postoperatively, trivial-to-mild tricuspid regurgitation was predominantly observed in most cases. Operative mortality appears to be low, but a reliable estimate of operative mortality rates, early failure, and reoperation was not possible due to incomplete data reporting in the studies reviewed. Moreover, long-term data are not available since in most reports, postoperative evaluation was obtained early after repair. Our review suggests that artificial neochordal repair of the tricuspid valve may be a feasible surgical option to prosthetic valve replacement in pediatric patients. However, comprehensive data and further late follow-up are needed to analyze long-term effectiveness and clinical outcomes.