Tetralogy of Fallot

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Heart, section through the middle Tetralogy of Fallot Cyanotic 'Tet spell'

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Tetralogy of Fallot

Surgery to repair the defects in the heart is always performed relatively early in life. Sometimes a preliminary surgery to create increased blood flow to the lungs is done before definitive corrective surgery. Corrective surgery widens the narrowed pulmonary valve, and the ventricular septal defect is closed.

Parents of children with tetralogy of Fallot can be assisted in coping with the symptoms of the disease. Some interventions to consider include:

• If a child does become blue, the parent should immediately place the child on his/her side and put the knees up to the chest, calm the baby and seek medical attention
• Feeding the child slowly
• Giving smaller, more frequent meals
• Decreasing the child's anxiety by remaining calm
• Minimizing crying by trying to anticipate the child's needs
• Recruiting others to care for the child to prevent parental exhaustion and burn-out

Most cases can be surgically corrected. Prognosis (probable outcome) with surgery is good. Without surgery, death usually occurs around 20 years old.

• 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).

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