The purpose of this study is to evaluate anatomic data of the tricuspid valve and adjacent area to help in diagnostic and surgical procedures. In 101 normal human fixed hearts (84% male; 61 % white ethnic group and mean age of 30.0 + 15.5 years old), we analysed: number of leaflets; tricuspid ring perimeter; size of leaflets and its occupation in ring perimeter; Koch's triangle area. These aspects were related with age, sex and ethnic group. There were 73% with three, in 26% with two and in 1% with four leaflets. The ring perimeter changed 79 to 158 mm (109.6 +12.2) and was larger (9%) in man. Regarding the relative occupation on ring the anterior represented 48%, the septal 36% and the inferior 16% of occupation area in tricuspid ring. The mean area of Koch's triangle was 167.79 mm² + 71.88 mm², 10% larger in non white ethnic group and in elderly patients. In conclusion, normal tricuspid valves presented variations related to sex, age and ethnic group.
tricuspid valve