Ebstein's Malformation of the Tricuspid Valve

Study of a Case Together with Suggestion of a New Form of Surgical Therapy

¹ The Department of Surgery and Variety Club Heart Hospital, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis.

A case of Ebstein's malformation of the tricuspid valve has been studied. Because of the relative rarity of this defect and the lack of any adequate medical or surgical treatment, a suggested operation is presented for direct attack upon the deformities. Under direct vision by use of total cardiopulmonary bypass the paradoxically contracting atrialized ventricular tissue would be excluded by plication. At the same time, tricuspid valvular function would be improved by the bringing up of the abnormally placed tricuspid leaflets to their true annulus. Also, any patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect found present would be closed, and fenestrations in the leaflets of the tricuspid valve repaired by fine stitches. The goal of this proposed operation would be the creation of more effective right heart function.