Title:New Insights into the Surgical Management of Tetralogy of Fallot: Physiological Fundamentals and Clinical Relevance
Volume: 11
Issue: 2
Author(s): Thierry Bove, Katrien Francois and Daniel De Wolf
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Pulmonary regurgitation, right ventricle physiology, surgery, tetralogy of fallot.
Abstract: The surgical treatment of tetralogy of Fallot can be considered as a success story in the history
of congenital heart diseases. Since the early outcome is no longer the main issue, the focus moved
to the late sequelae of TOF repair, i.e. the pulmonary insufficiency and the secondary adaptation of the
right ventricle. This review provides recent insights into the pathophysiological alterations of the right
ventricle in relation to the reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract after repair of tetralogy
of Fallot. Its clinical relevance is documented by addressing the policy changes regarding the optimal
management at the time of surgical repair as well as properly defining criteria and timing for late pulmonary
valve implantation.
