Surgery for Tetralogy of Fallot- Cardiology

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a type of heart defect present at birth. Classically there are four defects: 

• pulmonary stenosis, narrowing of the exit from the right ventricle
• a ventricular septal defect, a hole between the two ventricles
• right ventricular hypertrophy, thickening of the right ventricular muscle
• an overriding aorta, which allows blood from both ventricles to enter the aorta

TOF is typically treated by open heart surgery in the first year of life. Timing of surgery depends on the baby's symptoms and size. The procedure involves increasing the size of the pulmonary valve and pulmonary arteries and repairing the ventricular septal defect. In babies who are too small a temporary surgery may be done with plans for a second surgery when the baby is bigger.  Most people who are affected live to be adults. 

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