Tricuspid Atresia
Also written as: TA — Tricuspid Atresia
A congenital heart defect characterized by the absence or imperforate development of the tricuspid valve, preventing direct blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle.
Full Definition
Tricuspid atresia is a complex congenital heart defect where the tricuspid valve fails to develop properly, resulting in no direct communication between the right atrium and right ventricle. Blood reaching the right atrium must flow through an atrial septal defect to the left atrium, mixing oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. The condition is often associated with other cardiac abnormalities such as ventricular septal defects, pulmonary stenosis, or transposition of the great arteries. Patients typically present with cyanosis and require staged surgical palliation, often culminating in a Fontan circulation to separate systemic and pulmonary venous return.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as TA. Specify associated anomalies and great vessel relationships in surgical planning documentation.
In Context
- "The newborn was diagnosed with tricuspid atresia and normally related great arteries." — Neonatal cardiology consultation
- "Staged palliation for tricuspid atresia began with a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt." — Congenital heart surgery operative report