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

Abstract

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 1st 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.