Heart issues have always been at the centre of the study for global medical professionals. Tetralogy of Fallot, a heart defect condition, is such a heart issue named by the first physician who described it in the 19th century. This condition creates several complications and symptoms affecting the heart’s structure and leading to its abnormal functions.

So today, let us focus on understanding the different methods of TOF surgery in India, their main benefits, and a detailed prognosis. Starting with details of this tetralogy condition.

Components of Tetralogy of Fallot

The four different conditions of Tetralogy of Fallot are:

 Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

It refers to a hole in the Septum wall separating the two lower chambers of the heart. Hence, the oxygen-reduced blood from the right ventricle flows directly into the left ventricle without passing through the lungs.

Pulmonary Stenosis

In this condition, the pulmonary valve or artery gets narrowed leading to a restricted flow of blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation.

Overriding Aorta

It refers to the aorta overriding or shifting the VSD which straddles both right and left ventricles. It leads to the pumping of oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle in the body.

Right Ventricular Hypertrophy

It causes the thickening and enlargement of the right ventricle. It weakens the right ventricle of the heart and ultimately leads to heart failure.

Different Methods of Correcting Tetralogy of Fallot

Total Correction Surgery

In the complete repair of tetralogy of Fallot by closing the ventricular septal defect or VSD with a myocardial ( covering of heart) patch. It further covers relieving the pulmonary stenosis, and repositioning of the overriding aorta.

 Fortis Escorts Heart Institute has a dedicated wing of paediatirc heart institute with the best pediatric heart surgery department. The professionals like Dr KS Iyer is the qualified and experienced pediatric heart surgeon who has successfully carried out several pediatric heart surgeries.

Palliative Shunt – BT Shunt

It offers temporary repair to the tetralogy of Fallot. It involves different measures to improve cyanosis and oxygenation in the patient.

This method of TOF surgery in India is usually performed on patients who are too sick for a complete repair process or on infants.

Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation (TPVI)

It is the non-surgical option for patients suffering from pulmonary valve dysfunction post-repair. In this process, a bioprosthetic valve is placed in the pulmonary position using a catheter.

Advantages of Methods of Correcting Fallot’s Tetralogy

Advantages of Total Correction Surgery

 Reduction in risks of palliative surgery: It comprehensively reduces the risks of palliative surgery and underlying lesion risks.

Long-Term Resolution: It offers long-term resolution for improving cardiac function and related symptoms. Hence, the overall cost of TOF surgery in India becomes affordable for different patients.

Reduce Psychological Pressure: The complete repair of tetralogy of Fallot relieves patients and parents from the psychological pressure of the need for future interventions.

Advantages of Palliative Shunt

Instant Relief: It offers immediate relief to patients suffering from cyanosis (lack of pure blood) and improves oxygenation.

Patient Stabilization: The palliative shunt in the TOF surgery in India stabilizes the patient for subsequent complete repair processes.

Ideal for High-Risk Patients and Infants: This process is ideal for patients at high risk of heart complications and infants suffering from tetralogy of Fallot.

Advantages of Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation (TPVI)

 Minimally Invasive Process : It is a minimally invasive process with significantly reduced recovery time.

 Reduced Surgical Risks: The overall surgical risks involved in transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) are significantly reduced. Further, the need for repeat sternotomy is reduced.

Ideal for Patients Suffering From Other Conditions: It is suitable for patients with pulmonary valve dysfunction post-repair issues.

Prognosis of correcting Fallot’s Tetralogy

 Total Correction Surgery

 Long-term prognosis: It offers excellent long-term prognosis with most patients experiencing symptom resolution. Hence, the overall quality of life increases with the complete repair process.

 Consistent monitoring: The constant monitoring is necessary for the patients developing pulmonary valve regurgitation and residual stenosis.

 Palliative Shunt

 Offers temporary relief : It fails to address the underlying defects but offers temporary relief to the patients.

 Requires subsequent relief: The patients may require a subsequent complete repair process for long-term survival.

 Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation (TPVI)

 Favourable outcomes: It offers highly favourable outcomes with enhanced pulmonary valve function and symptom relief.

Long-term durability: The long-term durability of bioprosthetic valves requires detailed evaluation.

Final thoughts

Hence, it is easy to understand that the surgical processes offer the best solution to tetralogy of Fallot. It is easy to understand the top three methods of treating this condition followed by their key advantages.

A quick look at the prognosis of correcting this issue helps in understanding more about these processes. So, having a detailed discussion with your healthcare professional becomes easy with these details in hand.