The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 31, 277-280, Copyright © 1981 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Ebstein's anomaly: surgical treatment with tricuspid replacement without right ventricular plication
JM Caralps, A Aris, JO Bonnin, H Solanes and M Torner
Two patients with Ebstein's anomaly and severe cardiac impairment underwent
surgical repair with tricuspid valve replacement and closure of associated
congenital septal defects. No attempt was made to plicate the atrialized
right ventricle. Good cardiac function was obtained at the end of the
procedure, with uniform contractions of the whole right ventricle. Both
patients are leading normal and active lives 38 and 32 months after
operation. We believe that successful repair is achieved chiefly by placing
a competent tricuspid valve on its true anatomical position, leaving the
underlying atrialized portion of the ventricular wall undisturbed. That
portion will contract and work synchronously with the rest of the right
ventricle.