Tetralogy of Fallot

Provided by "Pediatric Heart Surgery — a reference for professionals"

Patient families can visit our tetralogy of Fallot page for more information and answers to common questions.

Pathophysiology

 

Tetralogy of Fallot occurs when there is underdevelopment of the right ventricular infundibulum or conus. Ventricular septal defect, right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, right ventricular hypertrophy, and overriding of the aorta are the four abnormalities classically described. Tetralogy of Fallot comprises a spectrum of severity. As the severity of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction increases, right to left shunting of blood occurs through the VSD, resulting in cyanosis. When severe right ventricular outflow tract obstruction and hypertrophy exist, hypercontractile episodes that are often associated with agitation give rise to severe right to left shunting of blood and hypercyanosis. These episodes are referred to as “tet spells.”

Surgical technique

Timing of complete repair of tetralogy of Fallot varies. In the modern era, early complete repair is the rule. In select cases, palliation for hypercyanotic spells or severe cyanosis can be provided by a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt or percutaneous stenting of the right ventricular outflow tract. Total repair of tetralogy of Fallot requires cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamping. Repair of this lesion can be approached via either a right atriotomy or a right ventriculotomy, depending on the degree and length of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Right ventricular obstruction is relieved first with resection of obstructive muscle. The ventricular septal defect is then closed with a patch of autologous pericardium or synthetic material. Pulmonary arterioplasty or pulmonary valvotomy is performed next, depending on the individual needs of the patient. The integrity of the pulmonary valve annulus is spared whenever possible to maintain pulmonary valve competence. A patch across the pulmonary valve annulus (a transannular patch) is often required to adequately relieve right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Transesophageal echocardiography is performed to help assess adequacy of repair. Cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamp time required to complete repair are usually moderate.

Postoperative considerations

The postoperative course following repair of tetralogy of Fallot can be variable and depends on the individual anatomy and surgical course. Invasive monitors used include arterial and central venous catheters. An LA line is used when needed for hemodynamic management. LA pressure acts as a surrogate for left ventricular end diastolic pressure, an excellent indicator of left ventricular performance. Non-invasive monitors include NIRS (near infrared spectroscopy) probes to assess adequacy of regional and global perfusion and traditional pulse oximetry. Vasoactive agents might include epinephrine and/ or milrinone. Numerous other agents are available and are tailored to the specific needs of the patient, targeting adequate oxygen delivery to the tissues of the body and optimization of cardiac output. Afterload reduction should be used judiciously since systemic hypotension can exacerbate right ventricular dysfunction.

Some degree of right ventricular failure is nearly universal following repair of tetralogy of Fallot. Significant resection of right ventricular muscle, coupled with pulmonary insufficiency resulting from transannular patch repair, can lead to early postoperative hemodynamic instability. Since left ventricular output is dependent upon adequate transpulmonary blood flow and adequate left ventricular filling, satisfactory right ventricular function is an important determinant of postoperative hemodynamic stability. Maintaining adequate right ventricular function depends upon atrioventricular synchrony, adequate preload, and maintenance of low pulmonary vascular resistance. Inotropic support is commonly required.

Bleeding is a potential postoperative complication and can occur in patients who have undergone extensive pulmonary artery patch angioplasty. Atrioventricular conduction abnormalities are occasionally encountered, as ventricular septal defect closure requires manipulation near atrioventricular conduction tissue. Atrioventricular pacing capability should be readily available. Pleural effusion is a common postoperative complication. Prolonged chest tube drainage may be required. Arterial oxygen saturation following repair should be normal. Intracardiac pressures might reflect a higher than normal right ventricular diastolic pressure secondary to pulmonary insufficiency. In addition, central venous pressure may be elevated, indicating right ventricular failure. Intracardiac pressures usually return to normal as right ventricular performance improves. Length of hospital stay following repair of tetralogy of Fallot is variable but averages 1 to 2 weeks.