Ebstein Repair Surgery
Ebstein anomaly is an abnormality in the tricuspid valve. The tricuspid valve separates the right atrium (the chamber that receives blood from the body) from the right ventricle (the chamber that pumps blood to the lungs).
Two leaflets of the tricuspid valve are pushed down into the pumping chamber in Ebstein anomaly. The third leaflet is elongated, and can be attached to the chamber wall. Rarely, the valve is so deformed that blood can not easily flow in the usual direction (right atrium to right ventricle).
Depending on the circumstances unique to a child, surgery may be suggested. This may be advised to fix or remove the tricuspid valve, and to close the foramen ovale or atrial septal defect. Surgery can occur in older children with moderate to serious congestive heart failure, substantial enlargement of the heart, cyanosis, or irregular formation of clots.
