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

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.

Keywords::

• magnetic resonance imaging
• pulmonary insufficiency
• right ventricle
• right ventricle–pulmonary artery conduits
• surgery
• Tetralogy of Fallot