Croissant Tricuspid Valve Repair

Also known as: the “croissant” technique

What is croissant tricuspid valve repair?

Tricuspid valve dysplasia is a rare heart disease that is present at birth. It involves a thickening and impaired function of the tricuspid valve, the valve between the right atrium and right ventricle in the heart. A croissant tricuspid valve repair is a novel surgical procedure that can repair the tricuspid valve in some cases and allow the child’s heart to pump blood more efficiently.

What happens during the procedure?

The croissant tricuspid valve repair gets its name due to the insertion of a crescent-shaped patch on the tricuspid valve, along with smaller leaflets. The surgical addition of this patch and leaflets, along with other repairs, allows the tricuspid valve to work more efficiently. This surgical procedure is performed under general anesthesia and requires a multi-day stay in the hospital.

Is any special preparation needed?

Your child will likely need to undergo several diagnostic tests to determine if they are a candidate for croissant tricuspid valve repair. Your doctors may have other guidance depending on the specific nature of the procedure. For example, you may need to avoid food and medication for a period of time before the procedure.

What are the risk factors?

A croissant tricuspid valve repair does have risks and may involve multiple surgeries, so it’s important to discuss these risks and potential outcomes with your doctors. Despite the risks, in many cases it’s the best treatment option available for the infant with a congenital heart defect, and many children who have undergone the procedure go on to lead healthy, productive lives.

Reviewed by: David Kalfa, MD

This page was last updated on: June 26, 2026 02:49 PM