Long-term results of total correction of tetralogy of Fallot less than 2 years old

Between April 1972 and March 1979, eighteen total correction for tetralogy of Fallot less than 2 years old were performed with a mortality rate of 11.1%. The valved patch made of autologous pericardium was utilized for right ventricular outflow reconstruction in 12 of 16 survivors. Late (from 10 to 17 postoperative year) results of the all survivors were studied on functional and clinical status, hemodynamics and cardiac functions, and also, were compared with that of the patients above 2 years of age. All of them were in NYHA class I with no physical exercise limitation. Chest X-ray showed nearly normal CTR of 51.7%. ECG showed complete or incomplete RBBB in 14 patients and LAD in 3 of them, whereas no ventricular arrhythmia. Cardiac catheterization and cineangiography revealed that they had quite satisfactory hemodynamics and cardiac functions despite their moderate pulmonary regurgitation. In comparison with the older patient group, this younger one had a tendency to take superior results in all parameters of cardiac functions and clinical status. These excellent long term results seem to come from their young and less degenerative myocardium at the time of surgery.