[Surgical repair of Ebstein's disease (author's transl)].

In 1976 4 patients with Ebstein's disease underwent surgical repair. In one patient (22 yrs.) the tricuspid valve leaflets were suitable for reconstructive surgery using Hardys method in addition to De Vegas annuloplasty. In the other three cases (17, 29, 51 yrs. old) excision of the malformed tricuspid valve was necessary, and porcine heterografts of greatest possible diameter were implanted. Three patients improved considerably 9 months postoperatively. The fourth patient, a 51 years old woman, died 2 days postoperatively on cardiac failure. From our own results and based upon reports from the literature we conclude that reconstructive surgery of the tricuspid valve should be preferred to replacement. If valve replacement is necessary, bioprostheses ought to be used. At the age of 15 to 40 years, surgical repair seems to have the best prognosis in patients with Ebstein's malformation.