Corrected Tetralogy Of Fallot Research Articles

Tetralogy of Fallot Correction in Low Z-scores: Expanding the Use of the Valve-sparing Approach

Objective: Sparing the pulmonary valve (PV) complex in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair prevents pulmonary regurgitation and consequently, the need for valve replacement. Traditional criteria for employing a valve-sparing strategy include a PV z-score of > -2. This retrospective cohort study aimed to establish differences in outcomes between patients with low and high z-scores who underwent a pulmonary valve-sparing technique of TOF correction. Methods: From 2002 to 2012, 59 patients were subjected to a PVsparing TOF repair. Of these, 25 patients had low z-scores? -3 (Group 1), while 34 patients had high z-scores > -3 (Group 2). A retrospective review of patient outcomes and follow-up two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiograms in the immediate and intermediate postoperative periods was conducted. Results: There was no significant difference in baseline patient characteristics except in PV z-scores. Average z-scores were -4.85 for Group 1 and -1.45 for Group 2 (P-value 0.00). No significant difference in immediate postoperative outcomes was noted between groups, specifically in terms of arrhythmias, conversions, early reoperations, morbidity and mortality. There were three deaths (5%) in the series. For intermediate outcomes, Group 1 had a higher degree of residual stenosis than Group 2; however, this did not translate to an increase in late reoperation rates. In both groups, there was note of a significant decrease in residual obstruction through time (P-value 0.00). Conclusion: A pulmonary valve-sparing TOF repair can be successfully utilized even in patients with low pulmonary valve z-scores, with similarly acceptable outcomes as in those with larger pulmonary valve annuli. Key words: Tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary valve, reoperation

Coronary flow dynamics in children after repair of Tetralogy of Fallot

ObjectivesTo assess the possible effect of a stiff right ventricle on the coronary flow (CF) in patients with post-operative Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). BackgroundRight ventricular restrictive physiology i.e. forward flow during atrial contraction (RVRP), is characteristic to many patients with post-operative TOF. MethodsA total of 34 patients with TOF anatomically corrected through transatrial repair were included. Coronary flow parameters were registered with transthoracic Doppler echocardiography from posterior descending (PDCA) and left anterior descending (LAD) coronary arteries in the same patient in 24/34 (71%) patients. Twenty age-matched healthy children were used as controls. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging was used to detect myocardial fibrosis, RV volume, and RVRP. ResultsThe mean age at investigation was 10.2±2.8years. RV end diastolic and end systolic volumes indexed for BSA were larger in patients with RVRP (p=0.002 and 0.008 respectively). Peak flow velocity in diastole and flow velocity time integral was increased in patients compared to controls. They were increased in the LAD in patients with fibrosis of RV (n=11) compared to patients without fibrosis (n=9) (p=0.01 and 0.047 respectively). LAD coronary flow was especially increased in patients with RVRP (n=9) as compared with those without (n=11), (p=0.006). ConclusionsPatients at mid-term followup after correction of TOF show increase of coronary flow. This increase is more pronounced in patients with fibrosis and RVRP of the RV.

Report from the 4(th) Vietnam Congress of Congenital and Structural Heart Disease (8-10 January 2014, Saigon, Vietnam) - "Fistulas from A to Z".

Report from the 4(th) Vietnam Congress of Congenital and Structural Heart Disease (8-10 January 2014, Saigon, Vietnam) - "Fistulas from A to Z".

CMR assessment of right ventricular function in patients with combined pulmonary stenosis and insufficiency after correction of tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is one of the most common types of congenital heart disease and requires prompt surgical correction. Post-correction pulmonary insufficiency (PI) often ensues in adulthood. At times, the PI is accompanied by residual pulmonary stenosis (PS). Little is known regarding right ventricular (RV) function in the setting of combined PS and PI. To compare cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) parameters for the assessment of RV function between patients with combined pulmonary stenosis and pulmonary insufficiency (PSPI) and isolated PI following surgical repair of TOF. Retrospective review of patients with comparable corrected TOF and similar PI was performed. Seventeen patients (median age, 24 years; range, 10-52 years) had combined PSPI and 30 patients (median age, 30 years; range, 6-70 years) had isolated PI. Cine magnetic resonance (MR) images (Philips Medical Systems, Best, The Netherlands) in the short-axis plane were used to calculate end-systolic, end-diastolic, and stroke volumes (RVESV, RVEDV, RVSV) and to measure RV wall thickness. Velocity-encoded cine MR images were used to measure pulmonary regurgitation fraction (PRF) by calculating the ratio of backward flow and total forward flow, obtained from the main pulmonary flow analysis. Peak pressure gradient across the pulmonary valve was obtained from spectral Doppler echocardiography. RVEF was 51 ± 8% in the PSPI patients and 39 ± 11%, in the patients with isolated PI (P = 0.001). Additionally, RV wall thickness was 5.2 ± 0.8 mm in the PSPI patients compared to 2.6 ± 0.9 mm in the isolated PI patients (P = 0.001). RVESVi and RVEDVi were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in patients with combined PSPI (60 ± 21 mL/m(2), 121 ± 35 mL/m(2), respectively) compared to the patients with isolated PI (95 ± 48 mL/m(2), 152 ± 61 mL/m(2), respectively). RV function is preserved in patients with PSPI when compared to patients with PI following surgical repair of TOF.

Rhythm and conduction disturbances after Tetralogy of Fallot correction

Results Major differences between the two groups were recorded: the QRS and QTc duration were significantly different between the 2 groups, right bundle branch block with left anterior hemiblock was noticed especially in patients operated over 1 year of age, ventricular arrhythmias were present especially in the same group of patients operated over 1 year and did not appear in patients with transatrial and transpulmonary repair; furthermore ventricular arrhythmias were especially present in patients with postoperative severe pulmonary regurgitation; the mean QRS duration was intensely significant correlated with the type of arrhythmia. Conclusions Rhythm and conduction disturbances are statistically significant correlated with the age at correction (the greater the age at operation, the bigger the risk for this type of complications), moreover being correlated with the surgical technique, as well.

Early and late outcomes of total repair of tetralogy of Fallot: risk factors for late right ventricular dilatation

This study was undertaken to assess the early and long-term results of total repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and to identify the risk factors associated with late right ventricular (RV) dilatation. The medical records of 326 patients (male:female = 192:134) who underwent total repair of TOF at Pusan National and Dong-A University Hospitals between July 1991 and May 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Median age and weight at the time of operation were 13.0 months and 8.7 kg, respectively. Right ventricular end-diastolic dimensions and left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions were obtained during follow-up echocardiography to identify the risk factors associated with late RV dilatation. There were one operative death (0.3%) and 8 late deaths (2.5%). Of late deaths, two were related to operation-related cardiac problems. Overall survival rates at 5, 10, and 15 years were 97.0%, 95.4%, and 95.4%, and the corresponding freedom from cardiac death were 98.8%, 98.8%, and 98.8%, respectively. Freedom from re-operation and re-intervention were 84.4%, 74.2% and 74.2%. Six patients underwent pulmonary valve replacement during the follow-up period. Transannular patch (P = 0.036) and postoperative ventilator support period (P < 0.001) were found to be significant risk factors of late RV dilatation in multivariate analysis. Total correction of TOF can be performed with a very low mortality rate. However, the postoperative re-operation or re-intervention rates remain relatively high. Late RV dilatation after total repair of TOF was found to be associated with transannular patch enlargement and a longer postoperative ventilator support period.

Tetralogy of Fallot With Atrioventricular Septal Defect: Surgical Strategies for Repair and Midterm Outcome of Pulmonary Valve-Sparing Approach

Repair for tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD) has been reported with good early and intermediate outcomes. Morbidity, however, remains significantly high. To date, repair of CAVSD/TOF using a pulmonary valve-sparing technique (PVS) and freedom from valve reoperation are not well defined. A study was undertaken to investigate outcomes. This study was conducted in as a retrospective investigation. Between January 1988 and December 2008, 13 consecutive patients with CAVSD/TOF were identified, and their records were reviewed retrospectively. Of these 13 patients, 9 had Rastelli type C CAVSD. Trisomy 21 was present in 9 cases (69 %; 7 with type C). Five patients had received a systemic-to-pulmonary shunt (SPS) before complete repair at a mean age 1.7 ± 0.6 months. All the patients survived until complete repair. At complete CAVSD/TOF repair, AVSD was corrected with a two-patch technique in all patients. For eight patients (61.5 %), PVS was used. The remaining five patients had transannular patch (TAP) repair. The mean age at complete repair was 6.3 ± 2.4 months. At complete repair, the mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 173.5 ± 30.6 min, and the cross-clamp time was 134.7 ± 28.8 min. There was one hospitalization and no late deaths. The median follow-up period was 9.2 years [interquartile range (IQR), 4.7-13.3 years]. The actuarial survival was 90.0 ± 9.5 % at 1 year, 90 ± 9.5 % at 5 years, and 90 ± 9.5 % at 8 years. Of the 12 survivors, 6 had some reintervention during the follow-up period. Within the first 11 years after complete repair, two patients underwent left atrioventricular (AV) valve repair, and one patient had right AV valve repair. Two patients had residual VSD closure. Four patients underwent the first right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reintervention for critical insufficiency or stenosis at a mean interval of 6 ± 21) months. One patient had a second RVOT reoperation. Findings showed that CAVSD/TOF with PVS was related to significantly higher freedom from RVOT reintervention (100 % at 1, 5, and 8 years compared with 80 ± 17.9 % at 1 year, 60 ± 21.9 % at 5 years, and 40 ± 21.9 % at 8 years for CAVSD/TOF using TAP; P < 0.05). No patient who underwent PVS had left ventricular outflow tract obstruction requiring reoperation. Overall freedom from any reintervention was 90.9 ± 8.6 % at 1 year, 71.6 ± 14.0 % at 5 years, and 53.7 ± 8.7 % at 8 years in this group of patients. Correction of TOF with CAVSD can be performed at low risk with favorable intermediate-term survival and satisfactory freedom from reoperation. Use of TAP can be avoided in almost two thirds of patients and may influence freedom from early RVOT reintervention.

Risk factors for perioperative mortality in children after total correction of tetralogy of Fallot

Objective To analyze the risk factors for perioperative mortality in children after total correction of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF),in order to provide better operation and decrease the mortality rate.Methods We enrolled 191 TOF patients including 142 males and 49 females at Chengdu Cardiovascular Hospital between Jan 2003 and Dec 2010.The age ranged from 4 months to 12 years.Preoperative,perioperative and postoperative clinical data of all patients were corrected and the risk factors for mortality after total correction of TOF were analyzed.Results Among all the 191 cases,6 cases death (3.14％) occurred in early postoperative,the main causes of death were postoperative infection with multiple organ failure (3 cases),low cardiac output syndrome (2 cases),cerebral complications (1 cases).Among them,2 children (6.67％,2/30) died in age≤6 months,1 child (1.41％,1/71)died in age ranged from 6 months to 3 years,3 children (3.33％,3/90) died in age ranged from 3 years to 12 years.The results of logistic regression and model selection indicated that age ≤ 6 months (OR =4.606,95 ％ CI 1.811 ～ 11.719,P ＜ 0.05),percutaneous oxygen saturation ＜ 70％ before operation (OR =0.982,95％ CI 0.501 ～ 1.932,P ＜ 0.01),Nakata index ＜140 mm2/m2(OR =16.960,95％ CI 1.414 ～ 150.390,P ＜ 0.01),cardiopulmonary bypass time ＞ 150 min (OR =4.398,95 ％ CI 2.091 ～ 9.216,P ＜ 0.01) and multiple organ failure (OR =4.872,95 ％ CI 2.583 ～9.192,P ＜0.05)were risk factors for early postoperative death after total correction of TOF.Conclusion Postoperative mortality in children after total correction of TOF can be predicted by risk factors of age,percutaneous oxygen saturation,Nakata index,cardiopulmonary bypass time,and multiple organ failure. Key words: Tetralogy of Fallot; Total correction of tetralogy of Fallot; Risk factors; Mortality; Children

Assessment of Exercise Testing after Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common form of cyanotic congenital heart disease. The aim of this study was to examine the exercise performance of young patients following the repair of TOF and to assess the influence of different variables related to the surgical repair on exercise testing. This study was conducted on 21 patients (16 males and 5 females) operated on for TOF compared to 15 healthy age- and sex-matched control children. The patients' median age at time of the study was 8 years (range 5–13 years) while age at surgical repair was 5 ± 2.1 years (range 2–10 years). Patients were subjected to 2D and color Doppler echocardiographic examination. Treadmill exercise stress testing was performed for all subjects according to modified Bruce protocol. The resting ECGs of all patients revealed normal sinus rhythm and RBBB. Cases had lower exercise capacity when compared to control subjects and those with aortopulmonary shunt showed significantly lower exercise performance when compared to those without aortopulmonary shunt. In conclusions, exercise tolerance after total correction of TOF is slightly impaired on short-term followup with more affection among patients with previous aortopulmonary shunts. The present study did not reveal any serious ventricular arrhythmia.

The Role of Transesophageal Echocardiography During Surgery for Patients With Tetralogy of Fallot

Routine use of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a safe monitoring and diagnostic method during pediatric congenital cardiac surgery. However, the question of whether intraoperative TEE is accurate and cost effective for patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) has not been raised. This study aimed to analyze the cost-benefit of routine TEE during the repair of TOF. The medical records, including TEE results, for patients who underwent correction of TOF between January 1997 and June 2007 were reviewed and retrospectively analyzed. Intraoperative TEE was performed for 340 patients (85 %). Residual problems were detected in 17.9 % (61/340), and a return to bypass was needed for 10 % (34/340) of the patients. The degree of agreement between the intraoperative TEE and early postoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was relatively high. Surgeons with less surgical experience more frequently used intraoperative TEE (p = 0.007) and performed repeat bypass surgery at a higher rate (p = 0.00). Even relatively unskilled surgeons might be able to achieve surgical outcomes similar to those of experienced surgeons using intraoperative TEE. By avoiding late surgical revision, the possible cost savings were estimated to be 1,726,000 Korean won (US$1,489) per TEE examination. Intraoperative TEE can be used as a tool for surgeons in making decisions in the operating room. In addition, intraoperative TEE decreased the frequency of reoperations and postoperative interventions. The results of this study demonstrate that routine intraoperative TEE during repair of TOF was both clinically beneficial and cost effective.

Tetralogy of Fallot: A Philippine Heart Center Review

INTRODUCTION: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) in the adult. The Philippine Heart Center (PHC) performs surgery on most TOF patients, averaging 50 patients per year. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive review of literature regarding TOF post operative outcomes in the Philippines. METHOD: Studies conducted at PHC that included 20 or more patients were included and reviewed independently by two investigators for validity. RESULTS: Five published and 22 unpublished studies were retrieved, with 12 studies meeting the inclusion criteria and validity standards. The mean mortality rate with TOF correction at the PHC from 1975 to 2011 was 6.7%. From 2000-2011, the mortality rate was 5.50%. Complications included myocardial failure, arrhythmias, infective endocarditis, and growth retardation. Electrocardiography and two dimensional echocardiography were indispensable tools in the follow-up of TOF patients post correction. Most patients had New York Heart Association Functional Class I, and had normal exercise tolerance, intelligence, and fertility. CONCLUSION: Although surgical outcome has been good in the Philippines, there should be emphasis on earlier intervention to avoid complications. With the growing number of TOF patients who survive into adulthood, it is important to have consistent follow-up with an expert cardiologist keen on CHD.

Relationship between ventricular function assessed by tissue Doppler imaging and exercise capacity in patients after repair of tetralogy of Fallot: an observational study

The present study aims to study the relationship between tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) indices of right ventricle and exercise capacity in patients after total correction for tetralogy of Fallot (ToF). This cross-sectional observational study included 20 patients, after undergoing total correction procedure for ToF diagnosed with mild/moderate pulmonary regurgitation and 30 age-matched healthy children. In the postoperative period, patients were invited to hospital for evaluation of the ventricular functions by 2D, M-mode, Doppler (DE) echocardiography and TDE and exercise testing to evaluate the effort capacity. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests, and Pearson correlation analysis. Compared with the controls; the mitral annular peak systolic flow velocity (Sm) value was significantly lower, while isovolumic contraction time (IVCT), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and myocardial performance index (MPI) values obtained at the tricuspid and mitral (MV) valves were significantly higher (p<0.05 for all) in patients after ToF repair. There was a negative correlation between the exercise period and the total correction age (r=-0.20, p=0.015) and the same negative correlation existed between the exercise period and METS (r=-0.25, p=0.010). MV IVCT with DE and TDE was found to be correlated with METS (r=-0.45, p=0.04). Left ventricular MPI was found to be correlated with maximum heart rate (r=-0.20, p=0.03). By DE, tricuspid valve deceleration time and Sm peak flow velocity with TDE were significantly correlated with METS (r=-0.30, p=0.04; r=-025, p=0.005, respectively). MPI calculated with TDE was correlated with maximum heart rate (r=-0.15, <0.01). Even if patients, undergone total correction surgery for ToF were asymptomatic or had minimal clinical symptoms, MPI index assessed by pulse wave TDE and exercise testing may allow early diagnosis of right ventricle dysfunction.

Mid-term results of bioprosthetic pulmonary valve replacement in pulmonary regurgitation after tetralogy of Fallot repair

Pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) is performed to reduce right ventricular (RV) volume overload, resulting in improved ventricular function and clinical status. Significant pulmonary regurgitation (PR) after tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair could result in RV dysfunction, exercise intolerance, arrhythmia and sudden death. The present study was conducted to investigate the mid-term clinical outcomes of PVR after TOF repair. Between 2001 and 2010, we retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of 131 (89 males and 42 females) PVRs with PR or pulmonary steno-insufficiency after TOF repair. PVR was performed at a mean age of 14.8±6.7 years. The mean interval from total correction of TOF to PVR was 12.5±5.2 years. Surgical indications of PVR were more than moderate PR with/without pulmonary stenosis, right ventricle dilatation, right ventricle dysfunction and reduced exercise capacity. Hancock II (n=58), Carpentier-Edwards Perimount (n=49) and St Jude Biocor (n=35) bioprosthetic valves were used. The mean z-score at implantation was 1.1±0.8. The mean valve size implanted was 25.1±1.5 mm. There was no early or late mortality in this study. RV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume indices (from 111.3±34.7 to 64.6±23.6, P<0.01) (preoperative n=70, postoperative n=17) were markedly decreased PVR during the 13.2±16.1 months follow-up period. Eleven patients (male=10, female=1) required a repeat PVR operation due to prosthetic valve failure. The rate of freedom from reoperation at 10 years was 66.4±4.4%. Implanted valve type (Carpentier-Edwards bovine valve), young age, and large-sized valve implantation (z-score>2.0) were risk factors for a repeat PVR in the univariate analysis. There was no risk factor in the multivariable analysis. PVR reduced the RV volume and improved the RV function within the first postoperative year. The rate of freedom from reoperation during the 10-year follow-up period in our series was acceptable. However, a longer follow-up will be necessary to determine the long-term outcomes of bioprosthetic valves in PVR.

Total correction in tetralogy of Fallot with anomalous major coronary artery : an alternative method to conduit use

A coronary artery anomaly precludes the use of a trans-annular patch in right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction. Herein we present three patients with coronary artery anomalies who underwent total corrective operations without using a conduit. Between 2007 and 2010, 84 patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) were operated on. Nine (9.4%) of them had a coronary artery anomaly. Three (3.1%) of the patients were operated on using the double-outflow technique and two had a Blalock-Taussig shunt before the total corrective operation. In two patients, the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and in one, the right coronary artery (RCA) crossed the RVOT. Postoperatively, the right-to-left ventricular pressure ratios were 0.45, 0.59 and 0.60 after cardiopulmonary bypass. No gradient was detected in the RVOT in postoperative echocardiographical measurements (< 15 mmHg gradient). In all three patients, there were moderate pulmonary insufficiencies. All were discharged home on the sixth day postoperatively. Mean follow-up duration was 9.8 ± 8 months. In the follow up of all three patients, there were moderate pulmonary insufficienciencies but no right ventricular dysfunction. The 'double-outflow' technique is appropriate for TOF patients with a major coronary artery anomaly since it can easily be performed without the need of a conduit.

Palliation Using a Self-expandable Stent in a Patient with Obstructive Right-Ventricular Outflow Tract after Total Correction of Tetralogy of Fallot

Total correction of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is typically performed within the first year of life. However, subsequently, right-ventricular dysfunction often progresses by pulmonary stenosis or regurgitation. Although most patients with corrected TOF require additional surgery for right-ventricular outflow tract, intervention could be an alternative to palliative surgery and associated morbidities, especially in children. We describe a palliative application of the self-expandable stent in a patient with pulmonary stenosis after total correction of TOF who lacked a conduit between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery.

A rare association of tetralogy of Fallot and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common form of cyanotic congenital heart disease. It is often associated with other congenital cardiac or non-cardiac defects. However, its association with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is rarely reported. We reported two cases. The first case is a full-term girl receiving modified Blalock-Taussig shunt creation and the second case is an 8-month old boy receiving total correction for TOF. Although they tolerated the operation well, both of them developed congestive heart failure and died of malignant cardiac arrhythmia several months after the operation. We made a literature review and only 11 case reports were found. There is currently no treatment guideline for this group of patients. From our limited experience and case reports, the physiology of HCM and TOF should both be taken into consideration when managing these patients. Close echocardiography follow-up with early myectomy and preventive implantation of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator may be beneficial for them.

The Impact of Pulmonary Regurgitation on Right Ventricular Regional Myocardial Function: An Echocardiographic Study in Adults after Total Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot

Early results of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) surgical repair are excellent, but patients are at risk for long-term complications. The purpose of the study was to determine to what extent ultrasonic tissue indices can be helpful in assessing the degree of pulmonary regurgitation (PR). Fifty adults (26 men, 24 women; mean age, 34.4 years) who had undergone TOF correction were studied. Compared with normal controls, patients had decreased tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (20.66 vs 26.79 mm, P < .05). In patients with TOF, maximal strain was reduced in all right ventricular free wall and interventricular septal segments. In patients with previous palliative shunts, lower maximal strain for RV basal segment was observed compared with subjects with no palliative surgery (-18.22% vs -22.27%, P < .05). Maximal systolic and early diastolic strain and strain rate values were significantly higher in patients with PR widths ≥ 3 mm compared with patients with PR widths < 3 mm. Adults after TOF repair have decreased regional deformation of the right ventricle and intraventricular septum. Prior palliative treatment reduces the indices of right ventricular regional deformation. PR severity can be described by the extent of right ventricular regional deformation.

Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Reconstruction With an Allograft Conduit in Patients After Tetralogy of Fallot Correction: Long-Term Follow-Up

In tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) pulmonary regurgitation is a frequent complication after initial repair. The objective of the present study was to describe the long-term experience with the use of allograft conduits for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction after correction of TOF in our institution. Between 1987 and 2009, 133 allografts were implanted in 126 patients (mean age, 27.8 years). The mean time from initial TOF repair to allograft implantation was 20.8±8.8 years. Kaplan-Meier analyses were done for patient survival, freedom from allograft replacement and freedom from any cardiovascular event. Hospital mortality was 1.5% (2 patients). Mean follow-up was 8.1 years. Ten other patients died during late follow-up, in 8 patients the cause was heart failure. Patient survival was 95% at 5 years, 91% at 10 years, and 80% at 15 years. Male sex, older patient age at the time of operation, and the use of preoperative diuretics were associated with increased risk of mortality during follow-up. Freedom from allograft replacement was 83% at 10 years and 70% at 15 years. Freedom from any valve-related event was 80% at 10 years and 67% at 15 years. Right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction after previous TOF repair can be performed with low risk and a low reintervention rate. Allograft conduits function satisfactorily in the pulmonary position at longer-term follow-up. Functional status after allograft implantation in patients with a previous correction of TOF remains good. There is concern about the long-term survival and the occurrence of heart failure.

Effect of Ischemic Postconditioning in Correction of Tetralogy of Fallot

Inappropriate myocardial protection is considered one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity in the correction of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Results of previous reports about the effects of ischemic postconditioning on myocardial protection in animals and humans are very encouraging. This randomized and controlled trial aimed to assess the effect of ischemic postconditioning on protection against myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury in TOF patients receiving cardioplegia. From January 2008 to June 2010, 80 consecutive children undergoing correction of TOF were enrolled and randomly assigned to either a postconditioning group (three cycles of 30 seconds of ischemia and 30 seconds of reperfusion using re-clamping and de-clamping starting 30 seconds after the initial de-clamping of the aorta, n = 41) or a control group (n = 39). Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) was assayed preoperatively, and then 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, 20 hours, and 48 hours after persistent reperfusion. The pre-, intra- and postoperative relevant data of all selected patients were analyzed. As a result, ischemic postconditioning reduced postoperative peak release by 45% for cTnI compared with the control group (0.43 ± 0.18 ng/mL versus 0.78 ± 0.15 ng/mL, P < 0.0001). Ischemic postconditioned patients had a lower peak inotropic score during the first postoperative 24 hours (5.6 ± 2.2 µg/kg/minute versus 8.6 ± 3.6 µg/kg/minute, P < 0.0001), extubation time (21.5 ± 7.3 hours versus 30.2 ± 12.4 hours, P = 0.0002) and length of ICU stay (43.4 ± 12.6 hours versus 56.3 ± 17.8 hours, P = 0.0003), while they had a higher cardiac output on the first postoperative day (1.41 ± 0.26 L/minute versus 1.28 ± 0.25 L/minute, P = 0.0255) as compared to the control group. In conclusion, ischemic postconditioning may to some extent provide myocardial protection in children undergoing correction of tetralogy of Fallot.

Time course of right ventricular functional parameters after surgical correction of tetralogy of Fallot determined by cardiac magnetic resonance

To evaluate changes of right ventricular (RV) parameters in follow-up examinations after corrected tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). CMR was performed twice within 4 years in 45 patients using a 1.5 T scanner. RV-volumes and pulmonary-regurgitant-fractions (PRF) were calculated from standard cine-sequences and flow-sensitive gradient-echo images, respectively. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the post-operative (po) interval (group 1 ≤5 years po; group 2 >5 years po) and subgroups depending on type of surgery (transannular vs. non-transannular). Patient groups were compared among each other and differences between 1st and 2nd CMR were assessed. Furthermore, patients were compared with 25 healthy volunteers. Compared with controls RV-size was increased (group 1: p = 0.007; group 2: p < 0.001) and RV function decreased (group 1: p = 0.02; group 2: p < 0.001) in po TOF-patients. PRF was higher in group 2 compared with group 1 (p = 0.04) and significant changes of PRF between 1st and 2nd CMR were found in group 2 (p < 0.01), but not in group 1 (p = 0.29). Compared with the non-transannular subgroup, PRF (p < 0.001) and RV end-diastolic-volume index (RV-EDVI) (p = 0.03) were significantly higher in patients with a transannular patch, EDVI increased between 1st and 2nd CMR. After correction, no significant changes of RV myocardial mass index (RV-MMI) were found. After correction of TOF, RV-size, RV-muscle mass (RV-MM) was increased and ejection fraction decreased in "early" follow-up already. Whereas these parameters can remain stable over a long time period, the PRF significantly increased in "late" follow-up dependent on the po interval. Overall, transannular patching went along with higher PRF and bigger RV-size as well as a greater dynamic of these parameters in the time course, which makes this subgroup highly in need of regular follow-up examinations for the optimal timing of re-interventions. In contrast, the increased RV-MM demonstrated no regression po.