Experience in corrective surgery for Ebstein's anomaly in 139 patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aim was to summarize the authors' experience in corrective surgery of Ebstein's anomaly.

METHODS

A total of 139 patients operated on between June 1980 and January 2000 was studied retrospectively. Among these patients, 111 underwent atrialized ventricle plication, tricuspid valve reconstruction and DeVega tricuspid annuloplasty, 27 underwent tricuspid valve replacement, and one patient with right ventricular hypoplasia underwent an additional total cavopulmonary connection.

RESULTS

Overall, there were 12 operative deaths (mortality rate 8.6%); however, between 1990 and 2000, the mortality rate was 3.3%. Among the reconstruction patients, 10 cases were reoperated on for valve replacement, and all survived.

CONCLUSION

Surgery for Ebstein's anomaly should be defined according to the pathologic/anatomic features of the condition. Tricuspid valve reconstruction should be performed in the mild condition; in medium A type, reconstruction should be performed, while for medium B type, reconstruction or valve replacement should be selected, albeit with caution. Valve replacement should be performed in the severe conditions.