Knowing the Complications Associated with TOF Surgery

Overview

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a cardiac condition characterized by the coexistence of four linked heart abnormalities. This is a congenital anomaly, i.e., you’re born with it. These cardiac structural anomalies allow oxygen-depleted blood to flow out of the heart and into the rest of the body. Because their blood does not carry enough oxygen, infants, and children with tetralogy of Fallot typically exhibit blue-tinged skin. This condition will cause some complications to your overall health too. Here we’ve discussed the same.

Understanding the Condition-Tetralogy of Fallot:

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a grouping of four congenital cardiac abnormalities that occur concurrently. The term "tetralogy" refers to the number four. Congenital indicates that they are present at birth. The four flaws are as follows:

• The pulmonary artery stenosis: This is the artery that transports blood from the heart to the lungs in order for it to pick up oxygen.
• Ventricular septal defect: This is a gap in the heart's wall that connects the two bottom chambers (right and left ventricles).
• Overriding aorta: The artery (aorta) that transports oxygen-rich blood to the body is transferred to the right side of the heart. It should be to the left. The aorta is positioned over the ventricular septal defect in this scenario.
• Right ventricle hypertrophy (enlargement): The right lower chamber (ventricle) of the heart is larger than usual.

Also, Read - Pediatric Cardiology Surgery - Treating the Heart of Your Little Ones

Symptoms associated with TOF(Tetralogy of Fallot):

The symptoms of the Tetralogy of Fallot vary based on the quantity of blood flow that is obstructed. Among the signs and symptoms are:

• A bluish skin tint is produced by insufficient blood oxygen levels (cyanosis).
• Breathing difficulties and fast breathing, particularly while eating or exercising,
• Inadequate weight loss
• Tired easily while playing or exercising
• Irritability
• Murmur in the heart
• Fainting
• The nail bed of the fingers and toes has an irregular, rounded shape (clubbing)

Also, Read - Know The Reasons For Valvular Heart Disease

When should you seek medical help?

Seek medical attention if your baby exhibits any of the following signs or symptoms:

Breathing difficulties

Skin discoloration that is bluish

Seizures or passing out

Weakness

Irritability that is unusual

If the skin of your infant turns blue (cyanotic), turn him or her on his or her side and draw his or her knees up to his or her chest. This improves blood flow to the lungs.

Possible complications after TOF surgery:

Although surgery for the tetralogy of Fallot is very efficient in treating structural flaws and blood flow through the heart, it can result in some persistent problems in the heart's function. If these complications arise, they can be managed with additional surgery.

Many adults who have their tetralogy of Fallot repaired do not require any further surgical therapy.

The following are some of the risks connected with surgical surgery for tetralogy of Fallot:

• Electrical disruptions: Placing a patch on the ventricular septal defect can prevent the atria from transmitting electrical signals to the ventricles. A pacemaker can help to fix this.

• Rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias): A common complication after cardiac surgery is atrial fibrillation, which occurs when the heart's upper chambers contract irregularly and frequently too quickly. Medication or non-surgical treatment can be used to address this condition. Ventricular tachycardia is a less common but more dangerous arrhythmia. This is a dangerously fast heartbeat in the lower heart chambers. If an individual is at risk for this after surgery, the congenital heart disease specialist will determine it.

• Blood can only flow one way through a heart valve because of their design. Blood can flow back into the chamber if a valve leaks. Patients with tetralogy of Fallot are also at risk of developing ascending aortic aneurysms. A leaking pulmonary valve is the most prevalent valve issue after the tetralogy of Fallot repair.

• Leaking valves: Heart valves are meant to enable blood to flow in just one direction. When a valve fails, blood might spill back into the chamber. Patients with tetralogy of Fallot are also at risk for ascending aortic aneurysms. The most common valve problem after tetralogy of Fallot repair is a leaking pulmonary valve, but the aortic and tricuspid heart valves can also leak. Leaky valves are typically repaired surgically, but innovative methods of implanting valves without surgery are also being investigated.

• Residual ventricular septal defect: When the ventricular septal defect does not seal fully, there remains residual leakage surrounding the patch. If the leak is significant or is causing severe symptoms, it can be corrected surgically.

How can we help with the treatment?

If you are in search of treatment for cardiac anomalies in India, we will serve as your guide throughout your medical treatment in India and will be physically present with you even before it begins. The following will be provided to you:

• Opinions of expert physicians and surgeons
• Transparent communication
• Coordinated care
• Prior appointment with specialists
• Assistance with hospital formalities
• 24*7 availability
• Arrangements for travel
• Assistance for accommodation and healthy recovery
• Assistance in emergencies

Our team is dedicated to offering the highest quality health trip and care to our patients. We have a team of highly qualified and devoted health professionals that will be by your side from the beginning of your journey.