tricuspid atresia
A congenital heart defect characterized by the absence or imperforate nature of the tricuspid valve.
Full Definition
Tricuspid atresia is a cyanotic congenital heart defect in which the tricuspid valve is absent (Type I) or imperforate (Type II), preventing direct communication between the right atrium and right ventricle. Blood enters the right atrium and flows through an atrial septal defect to the left atrium, then to the left ventricle. Some blood may reach the lungs through a ventricular septal defect (if present) or through the ductus arteriosus. Tricuspid atresia is classified by the presence or absence of transposition of the great arteries and the degree of pulmonary stenosis. Management typically involves staged single ventricle palliation culminating in Fontan circulation.
Usage
Usage note: Classify by great artery relationship and presence of pulmonary stenosis; requires single ventricle palliation pathway.
In Context
- "The newborn with tricuspid atresia underwent Norwood stage 1 palliation due to associated hypoplastic left heart." — Surgical planning note
- "Echocardiogram confirmed tricuspid atresia with normally related great arteries and restrictive ventricular septal defect." — Diagnostic report