Treatments For Tetralogy Of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot is a rare congenital heart defect that is present from the time of birth until it is corrected. This defect features four distinct abnormalities including narrowing of the pulmonary valve, a hole in the septum located between the lower two chambers of the heart, an overriding aorta, and thickening of the muscular wall of the right ventricle.

While the cause of this sickness has not yet been identified, it is more commonly seen in those with Down syndrome and DiGeorge syndrome. Because tetralogy of Fallot is characterized by poor oxygen flow, those affected may frequently suffer from shortness of breath and blue-tinged skin, known as cyanosis. If untreated, this illness can hinder the growth of a baby or cause severe complications or disabilities by early adulthood.

Here a few ways tetralogy of Fallot can be treated.

Intracardiac Repair

Intracardiac repair is also referred to as the complete repair and is usually performed during infancy or childhood. Adults may undergo this repair if they neglected to do so at a younger age. During this procedure, the surgeon seals the ventricular septal defect using a patch, so there is no space between the ventricles. The pulmonary valve and arteries are then widened so blood can flow more freely to the lungs. If the obstruction of the pulmonary valve is too severe, the valve may have to be replaced. Unless there are complications following this procedure, it will be the last form of surgery required to correct tetralogy of Fallot.

Keep reading to learn about more treatments for tetralogy of Fallot.