What is the treatment of Tetralogy of Fallot?
Some infants with severe Tetralogy of Fallot may need an operation to increase blood supply to the lungs. This is done by shunt surgery whereby the connection between aorta and pulmonary artery is made. This increases the oxygen content of the blood. In older children, corrective surgery is required which involves closing the ventricular septal defect, removing the muscle causing narrowing in the right ventricular outflow.

What happens if a patient with Tetralogy of Fallot does not undergo surgery?
If a patient with Tetralogy of Fallot does not undergo surgery, there is increased risk of stroke, brain abscess, heart failure. Sometimes a cyanotic spell may be fatal. Over a period of time, due to constant decreased oxygen supply to the heart and other organs of the body, the heart becomes weak.

What is the prognosis post surgery?
After surgery, long term outlook varies depending on how severe the defects were before surgery. Lifelong follow up with cardiologist is needed.

Last created on 1-08-2010
Last updated on 1-08-2010