Tricuspid Atresia Treatment- Cardiology
Tricuspid atresia treatment usually involves a series of surgeries. These surgeries create a small passage through which the blood can flow from the heart to the lungs.
What is Tricuspid Atresia?
Tricuspid atresia is a type of congenital heart disease. It means the problem is present at birth. A newborn with this defect has no tricuspid valve. In some children, the valve does not develop fully.
Missing or underdeveloped tricuspid valve leads to inadequate blood flow from the right upper chamber of the heart (R. atrium) to the right lower chamber (R. ventricle).
Diagnosis of Tricuspid Atresia
Your doctor may diagnose the condition while the child is still in the womb. This usually takes place during a routine ultrasound scan before delivery.
Besides, the doctor may suspect a tricuspid atresia if the newborn has bluish skin and abnormal heart sounds.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may order the following tests.
ECG
This test helps determine the size of heart chambers and abnormalities in the heart rhythm.
Echocardiogram
Echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create moving pictures of the baby’s heart. If a baby has tricuspid atresia, echocardiogram reveals that the tricuspid valve is missing.
Chest x-ray
A chest X-ray shows blood flow from the heart to the lungs.
MRI of the heart
MRI uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to produce detailed images of the heart. These images help the doctor determine if your child has problems with blood flow to the lungs.
CT scan of the heart
This imaging technique uses X-rays. The images can be helpful in diagnosing problems with the blood flow.
How is Tricuspid Atresia Treated?
Doctors treat tricuspid atresia with surgery. There are three stages of surgery. The first surgery is performed within a few days after a child is born. Your doctor may decide to perform the second surgery when your child reaches 4 to 6 months of age. Likewise, the third surgery usually takes place when the child is 1.5 years to 3 years.
Sources:
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001110.htm
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003795.htm
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007344.htm
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