Chronic pulmonary valve insufficiency after repaired tetralogy of Fallot: diagnostics, reoperations and reconstruction possibilities

  • Alexander Kadner
  • Igor I Tulevski
  • Urs Bauersfeld
  • René Prêtre
  • Emanuela R Valsangiacomo-Buechel
  • Ali Dodge-Khatami

Abstract

Complete correction of Tetralogy of Fallot, the most common cyanotic congenital heart defect, has now become routine. However, late residual lesions, primarily chronic pulmonary valve insufficiency, may have a negative impact on right-ventricular function, leading to the need for reoperation to insert a competent valve at the right-ventricular outflow. The diagnostic modalities pertaining to the failing right ventricle, the timing for eventual reintervention and the various surgical reconstruction possibilities of the right-ventricular outflow tract are still controversial and evolving, and are reviewed with a brief overview on current trends and future outlooks.

Bibliographical data

Original languageEnglish
ISSN1477-9072
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 03.2007
PubMed 17338667