Author:

Keywords:

Science & Technology, Life Sciences & Biomedicine, Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems, Respiratory System, Surgery, Cardiovascular System & Cardiology, TRICUSPID-VALVE, SURGICAL REPAIR, MALFORMATION, REPLACEMENT, VENTRICLE, PLICATION, Adolescent, Adult, Cardiac Surgical Procedures, Child, Ebstein Anomaly, Echocardiography, Female, Heart Ventricles, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Suture Techniques, Treatment Outcome, 1102 Cardiorespiratory Medicine and Haematology, 1103 Clinical Sciences, 3201 Cardiovascular medicine and haematology, 3202 Clinical sciences

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: We report results of a technique of Ebstein's anomaly repair by creating a predominantly monocuspid valve with simultaneous ventricularization of the atrialized right ventricular (aRV) chamber. METHODS: Between March 1993 and April 2003, Ebstein's anomaly repair by valvuloplasty with combined ventricularization was performed in 23 patients aged 13.6 (4.1-52.6) years presenting with tricuspid valve regurgitation (TVR) (I degrees, n = 1; II degrees, n = 3; III degrees, n = 13; IV degrees, n = 6). Valvuloplasty consisted of creating a predominantly monocuspid valve at the level of the anatomical atrioventricular junction resulting in a ventricularization of the atrialized chamber. Postoperatively all survivors were examined regularly with an actual prospective evaluation. RESULTS: One early death (4.4%) occurred and was caused by right heart failure. Follow-up was 4.6 (0.5-10.9) years. Important recurrent atrioventricular valve regurgitation caused by rupture of fixation sutures occurred in 3 patients (13%), necessitating reintervention at 3 (0.03-4) months (revalvuloplasty, n = 2; TV replacement, n = 1). One patient presenting with hypoplastic right ventricle with consecutive right heart failure underwent creation of a total cavopulmonary connection at 10 months. At present all patients are doing well. Actual echocardiographic examination revealed significant improvement of right atrioventricular valve regurgitation (p < / 0.0001) and favorable restoration of RV geometry and function. CONCLUSIONS: This technique of Ebstein's anomaly repair with ventricularization of the atrialized chamber provides excellent results regarding right atrioventricular valve function and leads to a favorable restoration of RV geometry and function.