Tetralogy of Fallot

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Cyanotic 'Tet spell'

Heart, section through the middle

Tetralogy of Fallot

TET; TOF

Surgery to repair heart defects is always done when the infant is very young. Sometimes more than one surgery is needed. The first surgery may be done to help increase blood flow to the lungs, and a surgery to correct the problem is done at a later time. Corrective surgery is done to widen part of the narrowed pulmonary tract and close the ventricular septal defect.

Tips for parents of children with tetralogy of Fallot:

• If a child does become blue, immediately place the child on his or her side and put the knees up to the chest. Calm the baby and seek medical attention
• Feed the child slowly
• Give smaller, more frequent meals
• Decrease the child's anxiety by remaining calm
• Minimize crying by trying to anticipate the child's needs
• Recruit others to care for the child to prevent yourself from becoming exhausted

Most cases can be corrected with surgery. Babies that have surgery usually do well. Without surgery, death usually occurs when the person reaches age 20.

Patients who have continued, severe leakiness of the pulmonary valve may need the valve replaced.

Regular follow up with a cardiologist to monitor for life-threatening arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) is recommended.

• Delayed growth and development
• Seizures during periods of insufficient oxygen

Call your health care provider if new unexplained symptoms develop or if the patient is having an episode of cyanosis (blue skin).

Review Date: 06/27/2006
Reviewed By: Anne J. L. Chun, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.