Effect of cone reconstruction on right ventricular function in patients with Ebstein's anomaly: a meta-analysis

Cone reconstruction (CR) is a novel technique for surgically treating the tricuspid valve and right ventricle (RV) in patients with Ebstein's anomaly. However, precise changes in the RV function after CR remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the RV size and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class by conducting a meta-analysis of reported data.

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched for relevant studies. The variables were RV measurements, NYHA functional classes and tricuspid valve regurgitation grades. A fixed/random effects model was used to summarize the estimates of mean difference with standard error. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to ascertain the primary origin of the heterogeneity.

Nine studies that involved 210 patients were included. The results demonstrated that after CR, the functional RV volume significantly decreased, NYHA functional class improved and tricuspid valve regurgitation grade decreased.

Thus, CR appeared to be a positive approach for Ebstein's anomaly, with good results being obtained for the RV size and NYHA functional class. Because some limitations could not be overcome, studies with more data on RV and longer follow-ups are required to confirm our study results.