Tetralogy of Fallot: Why Surgery is Sometimes Necessary?

Tetralogy of Fallot, also known as TET-AL-O-JEE of fallot, is a congenital heart defect in which four heart abnormalities are present at birth. These abnormalities include a large hole between the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) and the lower chambers (ventricles), as well as an obstruction of blood flowing from the heart out to the lungs, which causes oxygen-poor blood to back up into the lungs and bloodstream. This can lead to several complications later in life, including arrhythmias, or heart rhythm disturbances.

What Is Tetralogy of Fallot?

Tetralogy of Fallot, or TOF, is a rare heart condition that affects the right ventricle and pulmonary artery. The four different parts to this condition are pulmonary stenosis (narrowing), ventricular septal defect (hole in the wall between the two lower chambers), over-riding aorta (the largest artery in the body), and right ventricular hypertrophy (thickening). Those with TOF have a higher risk for developing pulmonary hypertension. This condition can be diagnosed through an echocardiogram and an electrocardiography. The most common Tetralogy of fallot treatment  is surgery.


Factors Affecting the Timing of Surgical Treatment


The timing of surgical treatment for tetralogy varies. Many factors may affect the timing, such as when symptoms first appear and the patient's age. For example, if a child has frequent episodes of respiratory distress or heart failure and gets worse over time, surgery may be necessary soon after diagnosis. In contrast, in an older child or adult with few or no symptoms who has been diagnosed by chance during a routine physical examination, surgery may not be required at all. The long-term outlook for people with tetralogy depends on whether they have had surgery to place a shunt to divert blood flow around the lungs (pulmonary artery banding) and if their heart function is adequate.


What are the Types of Surgery in Tetralogy of Fallot?


There are two types of Tetralogy of fallot surgery in coimbatore that can be performed to treat Tetralogy of Fallot. The first, a shunt procedure, creates an artificial passageway between the right side of the heart and the left side of the heart to help blood flow more efficiently. This procedure can be done with minimally invasive surgical techniques or through an open-heart surgery approach. The second type of surgery involves repairing or replacing part or all of the pulmonary valve with a prosthetic device. There are two ways this can be done, without open-heart surgery and with open-heart surgery.


How Do Doctors Choose Between Open Heart Surgical Procedures and Minimally Invasive Heart Surgeries for Children with Tetralogy of Fallot?


Doctors may have to decide between open heart surgical procedures and minimally invasive heart surgeries for children with Tetralogy of Fallot. They typically base this decision on factors such as the age, weight, and anatomy. In general, children under 12 months old with a large pulmonary artery or those who are too small to safely undergo surgery are considered candidates for minimally invasive heart surgeries. Children older than one year old but less than six years old who weigh more than two kilograms (4.4 pounds) may also be good candidates for minimally invasive heart surgeries. However, if the child's anatomy is not conducive to surgery then they would be a candidate for an open heart surgical procedure instead.


Breathing After Treatment in Tetralogy Of Fallot


If your Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) patient has been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, it can be difficult for them to breathe. The reason for this is because the increased pressure in their lungs causes a decrease in oxygen flow. In order to alleviate the symptoms and make breathing easier, some patients will need to have surgery. Fortunately, TOF surgery has very high success rates and there are various surgical options available depending on what symptoms are affecting the patient. There are many factors that determine when TOF surgery becomes necessary, including whether or not there are any complicating factors such as congestive heart failure or arrhythmias.


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