The role played by tricuspid valve should not be ignored or underestimated in treating coronary heart diseases, said Dr George Cherian, former head and professor of cardiology, CMC, Vellore.  He was delivering the first Dr S Thanikachalam Endowment Oration at Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute in Chennai.
 
He said heart patients treated with bypass or mitral and aortic valve surgeries may develop complications due to the behavior of tricuspid valve (the valve connecting the right atrium and right ventricle).  International research through autopsies have confirmed that though not obvious in regular clinical examinations it has been found that tricuspid valve misfunction had been a major cause for heart failures.  Citing several individual cases treated by him in the last fifty years he analysed the problems and suggested corrective measures to young cardiologists.

Dr K AAbraham, Director Medical Services, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai former Vice Chancellor and HOD Cardiology at SRM,  Dr JSN Murthy said the oration marks the 25 year of the department under the guidance of Dr S Thanikachalam.
 
Vice Chancellor Dr P V Vijayaraghavan, Dean of Faculties Dr Mahesh Vakamudi and Dr T R Muralidharan, HOD, Cardiology were among those who participated in the event.