Repair of tetralogy of Fallot in infancy with a transventricular or a transatrial approach

Untreated atrial septal defect after intracardiac repair for tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot was repaired previously in a preschooler through right ventriculotomy, providing excellent exposure for ventricular septal defect closure and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction relief. Herein, we describe the preschooler as a 50-year-old man with untreated atrial septal defect found at pulmonary valve replacement in the remote period after tetralogy of Fallot repair. It was inferred intraoperatively that the previous tetralogy of Fallot was repaired only through right ventriculotomy, and atrial septal defect closure was performed together with pulmonary valve replacement.

A uniform strategy of primary repair of tetralogy of Fallot: Transventricular approach results in low reoperation rate in the first decade

OBJECTIVES

To review outcomes after a uniform strategy of transventricular repair of tetralogy of Fallot.

METHODS

A total of 244 consecutive patients underwent transventricular primary repair of tetralogy of Fallot from 2004 to 2019. Median age at operation was 71 days; 57 (23%) patients were premature; 57 (23%) patients had low birth weight (<2.5 kg), and 40 (16%) had genetic syndromes. The diameter of pulmonary valve annulus, right pulmonary artery (PA), and left PA were 6.0 ± 1.8 mm (z score, -1.7 ± 1.3), 4.3 ± 1.4 mm (z score, -0.9 ± 1.2) and 4.1 ± 1.5 mm (z score, -0.5 ± 1.3).

RESULTS

Three (1.2%) operative deaths were recorded. Ninety patients (37%) underwent transannular patching. Postoperative echocardiographic peak right ventricular outflow tract gradient decreased from 72 ± 27 mm Hg to 21 ± 16 mm Hg. Median intensive care unit and hospital stay were 3 and 7 days. The survival rate at 10 years was 94.6% ± 1.8%. Reintervention was required 86 times (55 catheter interventions) in 56 patients following tetralogy of Fallot repair. The freedom from all-cause reintervention rate at 10 years was 70.5% ± 3.6%. Cyanotic spells (hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.22-3.90; P < .01) and smaller pulmonary valve annulus z score (hazard ratio, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.01-1.59; P = .04) were associated with increasing risk of all reinterventions. Freedom from redo surgery for right ventricular outflow tract obstruction and right ventricular dilatation at 10 years were, respectively, 85.0% ± 3.1% and 98.7% ± 0.9%. Freedom from valve implantation was 96.7% ± 1.5% at 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

A uniform strategy of primary repair of tetralogy of Fallot through a transventricular approach resulted in low reoperation rate in the first decade. The need of pulmonary valve implantation was limited to <4% at 10 years.

The role of primary surgical repair technique on late outcomes of Tetralogy of Fallot: a multicentre study

OBJECTIVES

Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) has currently excellent results with either transventricular or transatrial approach. However, it is unclear as to which has better late outcomes and what role of residual pulmonary valve (PV) regurgitation in the long term is. We report on late clinical outcomes after repair in a large series of patients with TOF, focusing on the type of surgical technique.

METHODS

This analysis is a retrospective multicentre study on patients undergoing TOF repair in infancy. The exclusion criteria of the study were TOF with pulmonary atresia or absent PV.

RESULTS

We selected 720 patients who had undergone TOF repair (median age 5.7 months, interquartile range 3.7-11.7). Preoperative cyanotic spells occurred in 18%. A transatrial repair was performed in 433 (60.1%) patients. The PV was preserved in 249 (35%) patients, while the right ventricular outflow tract was reconstructed with a transannular patch (60.4%) or a conduit (4.6%) in the rest of the patients. At a median follow-up of 4 years (range 1-21, 86% complete), 10 (1.6%) patients died, while 39 (6.3%) patients required surgical reoperation and 72 (11.7%) patients required an interventional procedure. The propensity match analysis showed that the incidence of postoperative complications and adverse events at follow-up were significantly increased in patients undergoing transventricular approach repair with transannular patch (P = 0.006) and PV preservation was a significant protective factor against postoperative complications (P = 0.009, odds ratio 0.5) and late adverse events (P = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical repair of TOF in infancy is a safe procedure, with good late clinical outcomes. However, transatrial approach and PV preservation at repair are associated with lower early and late morbidity.

Architecture matters: Tissue preservation strategies for tetralogy of Fallot repair

BACKGROUND

Great variability exists in repair strategies for the tetralogy of Fallot. While transannular patching, as introduced by Kirklin, was a breakthrough for primary repair, pulmonary regurgitation and a need for reoperation have led to the development of methods that preserve the natural morphology of the right ventricular outflow tract.

METHODS

State-of-the-art details of tetralogy of Fallot repair are explained from the standpoint of architectural preservation, especially with regard to sparing native tissue such as the annulus, valve, or infundibulum. Particular attention is given to the latest technical details of each approach, benefits and disadvantages, and any long-term data available.

RESULTS

The choice of procedure is complex and unique to each case as transannular patching alone may carry long-term pulmonary risks. Modifications that spare the annulus, valves, or infundibulum may thus be essential as preservation of natural morphology has resulted in excellent mid-term results.

CONCLUSIONS

The complexity of tetralogy of Fallot repair demands constant attention to clinical presentation and vigilance against long-term sequelae. Techniques will continue to improve over time as long-term data guides the refinement of these innovative surgical methods.

Does transatrial-transpulmonary approach improve outcomes compared with transventricular approach in non-neonatal patients undergoing tetralogy of Fallot repair?

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether the transatrial-transpulmonary approach to tetralogy of Fallot repair in non-neonatal patients provides superior outcomes compared with the transventricular approach. Altogether, 175 papers were found using the reported search, of which 11 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 3 observational studies showed that the transatrial approach resulted in better preservation of right ventricular (RV) function, whereas 4 observational studies showed no significant difference. Three observational studies showed better attenuation of RV dilatation, whereas 3 showed no difference. One RCT and 2 observational studies showed lower incidence of postoperative ventricular arrhythmias, while 1 RCT and 4 observational studies showed no difference. Two observational studies demonstrated greater freedom from reoperation, 1 RCT and 2 observational studies showed no difference, while 1 retrospective study observed a higher incidence of residual RV outflow tract obstruction and lower freedom from reoperation in infants. Two observational studies reported lower risk of requiring pulmonary valve replacement, whereas 2 reported no difference. Three observational studies reported superior exercise capacity, while 1 reported no difference. No difference in long-term survival was demonstrated. The results presented suggest that transatrial repair of tetralogy of Fallot confers superior or equivalent outcomes in terms of preservation of RV function and volume, ventricular arrhythmias, need for pulmonary valve replacement, and exercise capacity compared with transventricular repair. However, the incidence of residual RV outflow tract obstruction may be higher in infants undergoing transatrial repair.

Early right ventricular function following trans-right atrial versus trans-right atrial, trans-right ventricular repair of Tetralogy of Fallot: Results of a prospective randomized study

Objective:

We compared the pre- and post-operative right ventricular (RV) function by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) between trans-right atrial (t-RA) versus t-RA/RV (RA/RV) approach for the repair of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF).

Patients and Methods:

Fifty consecutive patients, 1–15 years of age, undergoing intracardiac repair of TOF between September 2015 and June 2016 were randomized into two groups based on the approach for repair as follows: t-RA or t-RA/RV approach. TAPSE was used for the assessment of pre- and post-operative RV function.

Results:

Age, body surface area, preoperative saturation, cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times, inotropic score, postoperative intensive care unit, and hospital stay were similar in both the groups. However, t-RA/RV group had significant mediastinal drainage (169 ± 163 ml vs. 90.6 ± 58.7 ml, P < 0.05) and pleural effusions (8 vs. 2 patients, P < 0.05), but had better relief of RV outflow tract gradients. The mean follow-up was 23 ± 6.7 (median 26, range 21–29) months. There were no differences in arrhythmias in either group up to the 1^st month and at last follow-up. Preoperative TAPSE for t-RA and t-RA/RV was similar (1.49 ± 0.29 vs. 1.66 ± 0.34, P > 0.05) and so was the post-operative TAPSE at discharge (1.52 ± 0.30 vs. 1.43 ± 0.32, P > 0.05), at 1 month (1.6 ± 0.27 vs. 1.43 ± 0.032, P > 0.05) and at last follow-up (1.79 ± 0.15, median 1.8 vs. 1.72 ± 0.17, median 1.7 P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Both t-RA and t-RA/RV approaches provide safe palliation for patients with TOF. A limited right ventriculotomy neither leads to deleterious effects on early RV function nor does it increase the incidence of arrhythmias at early follow-up. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to further address these issues.

Noninvasive Identification of Ventricular Tachycardia-Related Anatomical Isthmuses in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot: What Is the Role of the 12-Lead Ventricular Tachycardia Electrocardiogram

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate the relation between 12-lead ventricular tachycardia (VT) electrocardiography (ECG) and VT-related anatomical isthmuses (AIs) in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF).

BACKGROUND

Slow-conducting AIs are the dominant VT substrate in rTOF. Whether an AI is considered critical relies on pace mapping (PM) guided by the VT ECG.

METHODS

VT ECGs, electroanatomical mapping data and PM results were analyzed in 25 rTOF patients (group 1) (age 57 ± 13 years). Selection of PM and ablation sites was guided by VT ECG. In 7 patients (group 2) (age 33 ± 14 years), PM was systematically performed within all AIs, irrespective of the VT ECG.

RESULTS

In group 1, all 35 induced VTs (median VT cycle length 270 [interquartile range: 240 to 310] ms) were AI related. All 11 right bundle branch block (RBBB) VTs were related to AI3 (right ventricular septum if positive concordant [7 of 7]), coronary cusp if V2 transition break [3 of 4]). Left bundle branch block (LBBB) VTs with transition <V5 were mapped to AI3 (8 of 10) or AI2 (2 of 10) and LBBB VTs with transition ≥V5 to AI1 (8 of 14), AI3 (5 of 14), and AI4 (1 of 14). In group 2, all 8 induced VTs (median VT cycle length 240 [interquartile range: 230 to 268] ms) were AI related. All RBBB VTs were related to AI3 (right ventricular septum). For LBBB VTs, paced matches were obtained in AI3 and AI1. Activation mapping and/or ablation success confirmed AI3 to be critical for all 8 VTs.

CONCLUSIONS

In rTOF with only AI1 and AI3, RBBB VTs are due to clockwise and LBBB VTs to counterclockwise activation of AI3. Involvement of both AIs in the VT circuit limits the role of the 12-lead VT ECG and PM. AI3 can always be targeted irrespective of the 12-lead VT ECG.

Surgery for Tetralogy of Fallot in Adults: Early Outcomes

Objective

To study the in-hospital outcome of adult patients who had undergone surgical repair for Tetralogy of Fallot.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology searching the hospital records. All those adult patients who had undergone repair for Tetralogy of Fallot from January 2012 to December 2014 were included in the study. All the patients were operated by the same surgical team. Patients who underwent primary repair as well as those with previous palliative procedures were included in the study. Thirty days outcome was studied by recording variables from the database. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16.

Results

A total of 80 patients was included in the study, in which there were 48 (60%) male patients and 32 (40%) female patients. Mean age was 21±0.21 years. Those with previous palliation were 15 (18.75%). The associated problems observed were: atrial septal defect 27 (33.75%), right aortic arch 30 (37.5%), patent ductus arteriosus 6 (7.5%) and double outlet right ventricle 3 (3.75%). In-hospital mortality recorded was 7 (8%). Postoperative complications encountered were low cardiac output syndrome 9 (11.25%), pleural effusion requiring tapping 3 (3.75%), reoperation for bleeding 3 (3.8%), pulmonary regurgitation (moderate to severe) 20 (25%) which occurred in the transannular patch group only and atrial arrhythmia 4 (5%).

Conclusion

A large number of adult patients are still operated for tetralogy of Fallot in Pakistan. With increasing experience in the technique the mortality and morbidity is comparable to international literature.

The effects of corrective surgery on endothelial biomarkers and anthropometric data in children with congenital heart disease

Objective To investigate the influence of surgical correction on biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction in children with congenital heart disease and to evaluate anthropometric data. Methods Children with pulmonary hypertension (PH) or Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) who were scheduled for corrective surgery were enrolled in this prospective study. Age-matched healthy children were included as controls. Demographic, haemodynamic and cardiac ultrasonography data were collected. Blood samples were taken pre-surgery, 24-48 hours post-surgery and again 3-6 months later. Several biomarkers (protein C, soluble platelet selectin [CD62P], soluble endothelium selectin [CD62E], soluble leukocyte selectin [CD62L], plasma von Willebrand Factor [vWF] atrial natriuretic peptide [ANP], brain natriuretic peptide[(BNP] and insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1]) were measured. Results Sixty-three children (32 with PH, 15 with TOF, and 16 controls) were enrolled. No significant differences between the PH and TOF groups were observed in the expression of biomarkers pre- and post-surgery. IGF-1 levels were closely related to anthropometric data, particularly those children with PH. Expression of IGF-1 and weight/height normalized after corrective surgery. Conclusions No significant endothelial dysfunction was observed in children with PH or TOF before or after corrective surgery. Significant retardation of growth, particularly weight, was found before surgery and may be related to IGF-1 suppression.

Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot in Infancy via the Atrioventricular Approach

Background

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a well-recognized congenital heart disease. Despite improvements in the outcomes of surgical repair, the optimal timing of surgery and type of surgical management of patients with TOF remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess outcomes following the repair of TOF in infants depending on the surgical procedure used.

Methods

This study involved the retrospective review of 120 patients who underwent TOF repair between 2010 and 2013. Patients were divided into three groups depending on the surgical procedure that they underwent. Corrective surgery was done via the transventricular approach (n=40), the transatrial approach (n=40), or a combined atrioventricular approach (n=40). Demographic data and the outcomes of the surgical procedures were compared among the groups.

Results

In the atrioventricular group, the incidence of the following complications was found to be significantly lower than in the other groups: complete heart block (p=0.034), right ventricular failure (p=0.027) and mediastinal bleeding (p=0.007). Patients in the atrioventricular group had a better postoperative right ventricular ejection fraction (p=0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed among the three surgical groups in the occurrence of tachycardia, renal failure, and tricuspid incompetence. The one-year survival rates in the three groups were 95%, 90%, and 97.5%, respectively (p=0.395).

Conclusion

Combined atrioventricular repair of TOF in infancy can be safely performed, with acceptable surgical risk, a low incidence of reoperation, good ventricular function outcomes, and an excellent survival rate.

Pulmonary annulus preservation lowers the risk of late postoperative pulmonary valve implantation after the repair of tetralogy of Fallot

The long-term benefits of pulmonary annulus preservation in tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) repair in patients with a marginally small pulmonary annulus are controversial. We sought to determine whether pulmonary annulus preservation (AP) is superior to transannular patching (TAP) in lowering the risk of pulmonary valve implantation (PVI) long after the repair of ToF. Of the 255 patients who underwent total correction of ToF during infancy between January 1989 and December 2005, 114 patients (AP group = 57, TAP group = 57) were selected by propensity score matching for various preoperative variables, such as age and body weight at operation, sex, pulmonary artery size, pre-repair palliation, anatomical types of ventricular septal defect, and Z-score of pulmonary valve annulus diameter (PVA-Z). The PVA-Z of the AP and TAP groups were -2.3 ± 1.3 and -2.1 ± 1.3, respectively (p = 0.547). The time to PVI was compared between the two groups. The median follow-up duration was 146 months (AP group: 141 months, TAP group: 147 months; p = 0.191). During the follow-up periods, there were 12 reoperations for the relief of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO), eight PVIs, and three late deaths. While freedom from reoperation for RVOTO was comparable between the two groups (p = 0.182), freedom from PVI at postoperative 15 years was significantly lower in the TAP group than in the AP group (74 and 100 %, p = 0.015). In repairing ToF with marginally small pulmonary valve annulus, AP is associated with a lower risk of late postoperative PVI.

Results of elective repair at 6 months or younger in 277 patients with tetralogy of Fallot: a 14-year experience at a single center

OBJECTIVE

To report practice and outcomes in infants undergoing elective repair of tetralogy of Fallot.

METHODS

A review of a retrospective cohort of elective complete repair of infants age 6 months or younger from 1995 to 2009 was performed. Patients were excluded because of previous interventions, hypercyanotic episodes, intensive care admissions, additional major cardiac defects, or if they were not discharged after birth. Length of stay, mortality, and complications were recorded. Association was determined using logistic or linear regression models and univariate testing determined the multivariate model.

RESULTS

There were 277 patients included. The hospital mortality rate was zero. A total of 87.4% of patients were discharged home within 7 days of repair, and 21.6% of patients were discharged on or before the third postoperative day. The postoperative course was uncomplicated in 245 patients (88.4%). Longer support time was associated independently with increased odds of complications (P < .001). Longer support time, younger age, chromosomal abnormality, and presence of a complication were associated independently with a longer hospital stay (all P < .001). Patients younger than 3 months (n = 110) had a longer median hospital stay (4 vs 3 days; P < .001) and longer support times (77.3 ± 35.1 min vs 66.4 ± 34 min; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Elective tetralogy of Fallot repair was performed at 6 months or younger with low morbidity, no hospital mortality, and an 11.6% complication rate. Longer support times, lower weight, chromosomal abnormalities, and complications were associated with a significantly increased duration of hospital stay.

Technical modification enabling pulmonary valve-sparing repair of a severely hypoplastic pulmonary annulus in patients with tetralogy of Fallot

OBJECTIVES

Although pulmonary valve-sparing repair is preferable for patients with tetralogy of Fallot, the repair of very small pulmonary valves is challenging. The present study evaluates our modification for preserving severely hypoplastic pulmonary valves in patients with tetralogy of Fallot.

METHODS

Sixty-eight consecutive patients who underwent complete repair of a tetralogy of Fallot between 2005 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with pulmonary atresia, absence of a pulmonary valve, atrioventricular septal defect and/or subarterial ventricular septal defect were excluded. There were 19 (28%) patients with a severely hypoplastic pulmonary annulus determined by preoperative echocardiography (z-score <-4). For these patients, we collected echocardiographic data and information about their postoperative course.

RESULTS

Valve preserving was successful in 11 of 19 (58%) of the z < -4 group, compared with 48 of 49 (98%) of the z > -4 group. In the z < -4 valve-sparing subgroup (n = 11), the preoperative pulmonary valve diameter z-score was -4.9 (range -6.3 to -4.3), and an approach involving ventriculotomy with no transannular patch was employed at a mean age of 6.9 (range 2.2-16.1) months. In this subgroup, residual right ventricular outflow tract velocity was 2.4 ± 0.6 m/s at discharge from the hospital. During a mean follow-up of 2.6 ± 2.4 years, no reintervention was necessary. Late right ventricular outflow tract velocity was 2.2 ± 0.6 m/s, and there was no severe pulmonary regurgitation. The pulmonary valve annulus grew in relation to the patient's body surface area (z = -0.51, range -4.2-0.24) without any aneurysmal changes in the right ventricular outflow tract.

CONCLUSIONS

Although our modification of valve-sparing repair for severely hypoplastic pulmonary valves in patients with tetralogy of Fallot could not be applied in all patients, this strategy enabled acceptable growth of the valve annulus, with only mild stenosis during the early to mid-term follow-up. This modification seems to be an option, even for a very small pulmonary valve.

The Role of Tricuspid Valve Surgery in the Late Management of Tetralogy of Fallot

While surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is generally associated with good early outcomes, late complications affect long-term survival and may require reoperation. Pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) may increase the risk of arrhythmias, reduced cardiac function, and sudden death. Tricuspid valve function can be compromised secondarily in the setting of PR or directly as a result of injury or alteration of the valve related to the original TOF repair. This article reviews the etiologic mechanisms, pathophysiological implications, and surgical interventions for TR. Effective management following TOF repair requires consideration of TR to optimize late outcomes.

Assessment of a right-ventricular infundibulum-sparing approach in transatrial-transpulmonary repair of tetralogy of Fallot

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to evaluate the outcome of transatrial-transpulmonary repair of tetralogy of Fallot in relation to a right-ventricular outflow tract (RVOT)-sparing surgery.

METHODS

Based on the surgical management of right-ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) at repair of tetralogy of Fallot, 140 children were retrospectively divided into three groups: (1) pulmonary valve (PV)-sparing, (2) infundibulum-sparing and (3) extended trans-annular patch (TAP). Clinical and echocardiographic outcome was assessed with regards to three equally divided study time eras between January 1994 and June 2010.

RESULTS

Over a 15-year study period, median age decreased from 11 (2-101) to 5 (1-11) months (p<0.001), whereas type of RVOT repair changed significantly between the first and the last era (group 1: 18-40%, group 2: 25-40% vs group 3: 57-20% (p=0.002)). Mortality was 0%. Complications were mainly related to clinical restrictive RV physiology (27%) and arrhythmia (10%). This cardiac morbidity remained constant over the eras and was associated with younger age (p=0.04), increased postoperative right ventricle/left ventricle (RV/LV) pressure ratio (p=0.01) and type of RVOT repair at the cost of TAP (p=0.03). Median follow-up of 8 years (1-16 years) showed an overall freedom from RVOT re-operation of 84% and 73%, respectively at 5 and 10 years. Most re-operations were for residual/recurrent RVOTO (12%) occurring more frequently in the latter era: 16% versus 7% in era 1 (p=0.08). Late echocardiographic evaluation revealed a strong correlation between severity of pulmonary regurgitation and increased RV/LV size ratio, which was mainly determined by increased TAP length (p<0.001) and duration of follow-up (p=0.06).

CONCLUSION

In a 15-year's experience with transatrial-transpulmonary correction of tetralogy of Fallot, a valve- and infundibulum-sparing approach has been advanced by lowering the age for elective repair. This change has been performed without compromising immediate clinical outcome, despite an increased early re-operation rate for residual obstruction. However, longer follow-up will disclose whether this approach is protective against progressive and late RV dysfunction.

Early extubation in tetralogy of Fallot patients after complete repair

AIM

To document the feasibility of early extubation and to know the effect of age, weight, and post-operative right ventricle/left ventricle ratio in early extubation in intracardiac repair for tetralogy of Fallot.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective study of 76 consecutive patients undergoing intracardiac repair between January, 2010 and April, 2010. The patients were compared between duration of ventilation with age, weight, and post-operative left ventricle/right ventricle ratio.

RESULTS

In the age group less than 10 years, 47 patients were extubated within 4 hours and 12 after 4 hours. In the age group of 10-20 years, eight patients were extubated within 4 hours and seven patients after 4 hours. In the more than 20 years category, one patient was extubated within 4 hours and the other after 4 hours. In the weight category less than 10 kilograms, 17 patients were extubated within 4 hours and seven patients after 4 hours. In the 10-20 kilogram category, 27 patients were extubated before 4 hours and four patients after 4 hours. In the more than 20-kilogram category, 12 patients were extubated before 4 hours and nine patients after 4 hours. Where the ratio was less than 0.5, 47 patients were extubated within 4 hours and 14 patients after 4 hours. Where the ratio was greater than 0.5, nine patients were extubated within 4 hours and six patients after 4 hours.

CONCLUSION

There was no correlation between duration of ventilation with age, weight, and right ventricle/left ventricle ratio. Early extubation in patients after intracardiac repair in tetralogy of Fallot is safe and effective.

Early outcome of tetralogy of Fallot repair in the current era of management

BACKGROUND

Traditional use of trans-annular patch (TAP) to release right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction during tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair may lead to a harmful pulmonary regurgitation. Different approaches have been used to release RVOT obstruction and spare the pulmonary valve (PV) function. In this study, we aim to evaluate the post-operative course of patients who had TOF repair in the current era that emphasizes on protective strategy of releasing RVOT obstruction and preserving PV function.

METHODS

A retrospective study of all TOF cases repaired in our institute between March 2002 and December 2007 was conducted. Cases were classified into two groups; group I included patients that had a TAP, while group II included cases that had simple TOF repair without TAP. Group I was subdivided into two groups, group (A) which include patients who had TAP without a valve. Group (B) includes those who had TAP with a monocuspid valve (Contegra). We compared post-operative care and outcome of all groups.

RESULTS

Eighty-three patients fulfilled the study criteria. There were 64 cases (77%) in group I, and 19 cases (23%) in group II. All children tolerated surgical repair and did well. We observed no statistically significant difference in the post-operative ICU care, complications rates and morbidity between all groups. There was no surgical mortality in all groups.

CONCLUSION

Children undergoing TOF repair had excellent short-term outcome with the current protective strategy aiming to spare valvular function, and conserving myocardial function. Applying a monocuspid patch technique did not show clear short-term benefits. Long term follow up is needed to evaluate future difference in different techniques.

Prenatal diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia

Tetralogy of Fallot involves an abnormal embryological development in which an unequal conotruncal division results in a small pulmonary artery and a great aortic artery. In its most severe form, the infundibulum of the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery can be atretic with the anomaly commonly referred to as pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect. Reported here is a case of prenatal diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia. The characteristic ultrasonographic findings included a small pulmonary artery, a large aorta, and a ventricular septal defect. The search for an atretic pulmonary valve and a ductus arteriosus with reversed blood flow was emphasized in the presence of asymmetrically dilated fetal heart. After birth, the newborn received single-stage total correction for the tetralogy of Fallot and was discharged a month later in stable condition. In this case report, the neonatal angiogram is added for confirming the prenatal diagnosis, which is of value in teaching fetal echocardiography to novice practitioners. We believe a prenatal diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot can improve neonatal outcome.

Surgery Insight: late complications following repair of tetralogy of Fallot and related surgical strategies for management

Biventricular correction of tetralogy of Fallot was devised more than 50 years ago. Current short-term outcomes are excellent. The potential for late complications is, however, an important concern for the growing number of postrepair survivors. Progressive pulmonary valve regurgitation leading to right heart failure and arrhythmia are centrally important problems faced by these patients. New techniques are, however, likely to change the future outcomes for postrepair survivors. These techniques include percutaneous valve replacement, arrhythmia ablation surgery, and strategies that emphasize preservation of the pulmonary valve even at the cost of leaving some residual valvular stenosis. The objectives of this Review are to outline the major complications that arise late after repair of tetralogy of Fallot, to describe the surgical approaches that have been developed to avoid and manage arising complications, and to briefly explore how novel treatment paradigms could change the future long-term outlook for patients following tetralogy repair.

Medium term outcome for infant repair in tetralogy of Fallot: Indicators for timing of surgery

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of early corrective surgery on the short and medium term outcome in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients under 12 months of age undergoing correction of isolated TOF between February 1997 and July 2003 were reviewed retrospectively. Outcome data for mortality, post-operative care management, major morbidity and clinical follow-up were analysed.

RESULTS

Fifty-two operations were performed. The mean age at surgery was 5 months (range 1-12) of whom 16 (30.8%) were less than 3 months old, including 2 neonates, 22 (42.3%) were 3-6 months old and 14 (26.9%) were 7-12 months old. There was 1 (1.9%) early death caused by a cerebro-vascular accident and 1 (1.9%) late death secondary to acute infective endocarditis. There were no differences in post-operative morbidities attributable to age. Patients under 3 months old required greater duration of post-operative ventilation, ITU stay and in-hospital stay. At a mean follow-up of 4.0 years (range 1.5-8.0), 33 (63.5%) patients had well-tolerated pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and 3 (5.8%) patients required re-operation for right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO). All patients had right bundle-branch-block but with QRS < 150 ms.

CONCLUSION

Early definitive repair of TOF can be performed safely on patients under 6 months old. Age at surgery does not appear to affect the medium term haemodynamic outcome. However, early surgery does escalate the need for ICU care. This data suggests repair in asymptomatic patients be delayed until 3-6 months of age.

Surgical simulation – a new tool to evaluate surgical incisions in congenital heart disease?

We introduce a new concept for preoperative planning and surgical education in congenital heart disease: surgical simulation. Recent advances in three-dimensional image acquisition have provided a new means to virtually reconstruct accurate morphological models while computer visualisation hardware now allows simulation of elastic tissue deformations interactively. Incision simulation is performed in two patients with complex congenital heart disease to preoperatively evaluate potential corrective surgical strategies. The relevant cardiac morphology was correctly depicted by the virtual models on which arbitrary incisions could be performed. By visualising the morphology in respect to each incision, different surgical strategies could be evaluated pre-operatively. We have taken the first step towards a clinically useful incision simulator for procedures in congenital heart disease and made an initial evaluation. With further developments it is likely that new tools for patient-specific preoperative planning and surgical training will emerge based on the presented ideas.

Tetralogy of fallot

The optimal management of patients with tetralogy of Fallot has to consider the individual intra-cardiac anatomy as the most important variable, together with the age and the body weight of the patient. In any case the potential advantages of a primary early repair should be weighted against the experience and expertise of the individual centre and/or surgical team in dealing with tetralogy of Fallot and with neonates and infants. The best results are achieved by very carefully adapting the surgical technique to the individual morphology of the right ventricular outflow tract and of the pulmonary arteries. The details of the established surgical management for each component of the surgical repair are analysed and described. Over a period of 12 years (from 1993 to 2005) 318 consecutive patients with tetralogy of Fallot underwent repair with one hospital death (1/318=0.3% mortality).