Abstract

BACKGROUND: Our programmatic approach to tetralogy of Fallot with major aortopulmonary collaterals emphasizes single-stage unifocalization with complete intracardiac repair during infancy. Little is known about suitability for complete repair in patients beyond infancy. We sought to analyze outcomes of our approach in older patients with previously untreated tetralogy of Fallot with major aortopulmonary collaterals.METHODS: Any patient with this lesion not treated prior to 2 years of age referred to our center from 2002-17 met inclusion criteria.RESULTS: Of 33 patients, 32 were out-of-state (64% international) referrals, and 33% (n=11) were >9 years old, had polycythemia, and/or at least 1 high pressure collateral (>25 mm Hg). Complete repair was achieved in 94% (n=31) of patients, 82% (n=27) in one stage and 12% (n=4) after unifocalization to a central shunt. The median right ventricular to aortic pressure ratio was 0.31 after surgery and 0.37 at follow-up. At a median of 4.8 years after repair, 9 patients (19%) underwent reintervention, including 5 conduit and 7 branch pulmonary artery interventions. Three patients also underwent aortic valve replacement.CONCLUSIONS: In this selected cohort of older patients with previously unoperated tetralogy of Fallot with major aortopulmonary collaterals, outcomes were comparable to infants undergoing treatment according to our approach. These findings support the notion that patients who are either born in low-resource settings or present to healthcare providers beyond infancy should be considered candidates and evaluated for complete repair.

View details for PubMedID 30550802