So far, there have been several kinds of valvuloplasty techniques for Ebstein's anomaly. Cone reconstruction which was developed by Da Silver and his coworkers has attracted much attention from worldwide cardiac surgeons. Because this technique could reconstruct the leaflet to leaflet coapatation which permits central blood flow during diastole period. It is probably the most efficient anatomical correction method. We make a comprehensive literature retrieval concerning the Cone reconstruction for Ebstein's anomaly. Its development, key points of technique skills and prognosis evaluation are reviewed meticulously.
Objective To summarize the experience and prognosis of Cone reconstruction used in Ebstein's anomaly. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 10 consecutive patients with Ebstein's anomaly, who underwent Cone reconstruction in our hospital from January 1, 2012 through February 1, 2015. According to Carpentier's classification, there were 2 patients of type A, 4 of type B, 2 of type B-C and 2 of type C. Results There was no death. One patient had arrhythmia after operation. The mean regurgitation area was 1.4±1.8 cm2 after operation, 6.4±6.9 cm2 at the time of discharge, respectively. Both of them were lower than preoperative regurgitation area (18.7±11.4 cm2) with statistical differences (95%CI –25.154 to –9.573,P=0.001; 95%CI 6.567 to 18.113,P=0.001). Three months after operation, the regurgitation was improved significantly compared to the preoperative regurgitation (95%CI 4.523 to 12.052,P=0.004). While it was higher in the regurgitation area when the patients were discharged. However, there was no statistical difference (95%CI –5.783 to 1.039,P=0.126). The incidence of severe regurgitation was about 85.7% at end of 3 months after operation, while decreased to 32.1%, 13 months later. The size of right atrium was much smaller than preoperative size (95%CI 1.033 to 31.480,P=0.039) when the patients were discharged. Conclusion Cone technique with ringed annuoplasty permits a good leaflet-to-leaflet coaptation. Tricuspid competence after operation could be sustained for a long time. However, postoperative short term is the crisis period to severe regurgitation. Further investigation for more appropriate surgical strategy should be carried on.
ObjectiveTo analyze the Ebstein anomaly's reoperative strategy and mid- to long-term results.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 23 patients who diagnosed with Ebstein anomaly and underwent reoperation for tricuspid valve insufficiency between July 2002 and July 2017 in Fuwai Hospital. There were 9 (39.1%) males and 14 (60.9%) females, with a median age of 28.0 (19.0, 45.0) years.ResultsAmong the 23 patients, 8 (34.8%) underwent tricuspid valvuloplasty and 15 (65.2%) underwent tricuspid valve replacement. The rate of valvuloplasty was 16.7% before 2012, and 54.5% after 2012 (P=0.089) as Cone reconstruction procedure was used. In the valvuloplasty cohort, 3 (37.5%) patients were treated with Danielson or Carpentier technique, and 5 (62.5%) patients were treated with Cone reconstruction procedure. There was no operation-related death. Early complications occurred in 3 (37.5%) patients. The median follow-up was 6.9 years (range, 3.0-15.1 years), and no adverse cardiac events occurred. In the patients with valve replacement, 7 (46.7%) received mechanical prosthesis and 8 (53.3%) received bio-prosthesis. There was no operation-related death. And early complications were observed in 3 (20.0%) patients. The median follow-up was 6.5 years (range, 2.5-15.3 years). One (6.3%) patient died and 4 (26.7%) had long-term complications during the follow-up period.ConclusionThe mid- to long-term outcomes are convincing in patients who undergo the second operation due to recurrent tricuspid regurgitation of Ebstein anomaly. A low incidence of reoperation is observed. Cone reconstruction procedure provides possibilities of second tricuspid valvuloplasty, and this technique can reduce the rate of tricuspid valve replacement in the second operation. Tricuspid valve replacement is still an alternative method for the treatment of recurrent tricuspid regurgitation in patients with Ebstein anomaly. The bioprosthetic prosthesis may be a better choice than mechanical prosthesis.