Echocardiography and color-flow mapping evaluation of a new reconstructive surgical technique for Ebstein's anomaly

Eight patients with Ebstein's anomaly, corrected by the Carpentier technique between 1984 and 1987, were evaluated by echocardiography and by conventional Doppler and color-flow Doppler mapping. Because this technique aims at restoring not only tricuspid valve function but also right ventricular size and geometry, the following parameters were studied: 1) right ventricular size, by measuring the apex-annulus distance compared with that of a group of 30 normal volunteers; and 2) tricuspid valve motion and function. The apex-annulus distance ranged from 5.8 to 8 cm (mean, 6.4 cm) in the Ebstein group and 3.8 to 5.1 cm (mean, 4.3 cm) in the control group. There was no tricuspid stenosis. Right ventricular filling was normal as documented by color-flow mapping. Tricuspid regurgitation was trivial in three patients, mild in four, and severe in only one, in whom a significantly restricted motion of the leaflets was demonstrated.