Treatments

Intracardiac Repair for TOF

Intracardiac Repair for TOF (Tetralogy of Fallot) is a surgical procedure to correct a complex congenital heart defect that involves four specific abnormalities of the heart. Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is one of the most common congenital heart conditions that results in oxygen-poor blood being pumped out of the heart and into the body, leading to cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin). This repair surgery is typically performed in infancy or early childhood to restore normal blood flow and oxygenation.

What is Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)?

TOF consists of four heart defects:

• Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole between the right and left ventricles, allowing oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to mix with oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle.
• Pulmonary Stenosis: A narrowing of the pulmonary valve or the muscle below the valve that restricts blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs.
• Right Ventricular Hypertrophy: Thickening of the muscular wall of the right ventricle due to the increased workload caused by pulmonary stenosis.
• Overriding Aorta: The aorta is positioned directly over the VSD instead of just over the left ventricle, allowing oxygen-poor blood to enter the systemic circulation.

These defects together result in less oxygenated blood reaching the body, which can lead to symptoms like cyanosis, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and delayed growth and development in children.

Purpose of Intracardiac Repair for TOF:

The goal of intracardiac repair is to correct the defects associated with TOF, ensuring that the heart functions properly and that oxygen-rich blood is pumped into the body. Without repair, children with TOF may suffer from severe complications, including heart failure, arrhythmias, or even death.