This is a surgery done to repair the four defects of tetralogy of fallot (large VSD, pulmonary stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy, overriding aorta). This is a congenital heart defect that changes the normal blood flow through the heart and has to be corrected surgically soon after birth.
PROCEDURE
Under general anaesthesia, Open Heart surgery is done, which includes -
- - Widening the pulmonary blood vessels, replacing/widening the pulmonary valve and enlarging the passage from right ventricle to pulmonary artery.
- - Closing the VSD (Ventricular septal defect).
Fixing these two defects resolves problems caused by other two defects.
If the baby is too weak, a temporary surgery may be done initially, where a shunt is placed between a large branch of aorta and pulmonary artery.This shunt is removed later while doing full repair.
DURATION
The procedure takes 4-5 hours. Hospital stay of 10-15 days is needed.
RECOVERY
The incision may take about 6 weeks to heal. After repair of TOF, most children can be active. The level and extent of physical activity will vary with each child. Lifelong care is needed so as to remain healthy.
RISKS
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Arrhythmia
- Congestive heart failure
- Residual VSD