Prosthetic valve replacement in Ebstein's malformation: 30-year follow-up

Long-Term Results of Isolated Tricuspid Valve Replacement

The long-term outcome of isolated tricuspid valve replacement is unclear because this procedure is rare and usually performed in combination with replacement of other valves. The results of all 31 isolated tricuspid valve replacements carried out in 23 patients in Kyushu University Hospital between 1975 and 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. A bioprosthesis was used in 27 cases and a mechanical valve in 4. There were 2 operative deaths and 4 late deaths. One patient with a mechanical prosthesis needed redo tricuspid valve replacement due to valve thrombosis 6 months after surgery. The mean cardiothoracic ratio and functional class improved significantly postoperatively. At 15 years after tricuspid valve replacement, actuarial survival was 75.6% and freedom from valve-related events was 84.9%. For bioprostheses, freedom from structural valve deterioration at 5, 10 and 15 years was 95.2%, 95.2% and 85.7%, respectively. The long-term results of tricuspid valve replacement are considered satisfactory, and a bioprosthesis can be recommended due to its good outcome and no need for anticoagulation. We should not wait until the development of endstage cardiac impairment before carrying out tricuspid valve surgery.

Results of surgery for Ebstein anomaly: A multicenter study from the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association

OBJECTIVE

Since most centers' experience with Ebstein anomaly is limited, we sought to analyze the collective experience of participating institutions of the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association with surgery for this rare malformation.

METHODS

The records of all 150 patients (median age 6.4 years) who underwent surgery for Ebstein anomaly in the 13 participating Association centers between January 1992 and January 2005 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with congenitally corrected transposition were excluded.

RESULTS

Most patients (81%) had Ebstein disease type B or C and significant functional impairment (61% in New York Heart Association class III or IV) and 16% had prior operations. Surgical procedures (n = 179) included valve replacement (n = 60, 33.5%), valve repair (n = 49, 27.3%), 1(1/2) ventricle repair (n = 46, 25.6%), palliative shunt (n = 13, 7.26%), and other complex procedures (n = 11, 6.14%). There were 20 hospital deaths (operative mortality 13.3%) after valve replacement in 5 patients, valve repair in 3, 1(1/2) ventricle repair in 7, palliative procedures in 3, and miscellaneous procedures in 2. Younger age and palliative procedures were univariate risk factors for operative death, but only age was an independent predictor on multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients coming to surgery presented in childhood and were significantly symptomatic. More than half underwent valve replacement or repair, but a considerable proportion had severe disease necessitating 1(1/2) ventricle repair or palliative procedures. Operative mortality did not differ significantly among repair, replacement, and 1(1/2) ventricle repair but was associated with palliative procedures for severe disease early in life, young age being the only independent predictor of operative death.