The controversy regarding the best or ideal surgical management of Tetralogy of Fallot
(ToF) stems from the recognition of there being a spectrum of morphology and associated
lesions, each of which require a different approach to achieve the three goals of
minimizing mortality preserving right ventricular function long-term and minimizing
reinterventions. A one-size-fits-all approach to ToF needs to be replaced by a considered
and personalized approach in order to yield the best outcomes possible for individual
patients. The great majority of patients with ToF undergo primary complete repair
between age 3–9 months with excellent outcomes. However, the greatest challenge is
the severely cyanotic neonates where primary repair is still associated with high
mortality and reintervention rates. Risk factors are low weight and small/poorly developed
pulmonary vasculature. High-risk neonates have better outcomes with palliation—but
mortality is still high. Palliative interventions in the catherization lab are showing
better outcomes than traditional BT shunt and the RVOT stent is emerging as potential
game-changer. Primary neonatal repair is still recommended if weight >3 kg and Nakata
>100 mm2/m2. However, neonates with low weight, small pulmonary arteries or multiple comorbidities
(including ToF/AVSD and anomalous LAD) may do better with a staged approach, There
is good argument for RVOT stenting as a bridge to complete repair due to its stable
circulation without diastolic run off and volume loading of the circulation, and its
potential to allow branch PA growth.
Keywords
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Footnotes
Funding: None.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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