Experience in Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot Malformation in Adults

Abstract During the five-year period 1965 through 1969, 186 patients underwent total correction of tetralogy of Fallot malformations at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. This report reviews the experience with 84 of these patients who were 18 years of age or older at the time of repair. There was little difference in the mortality figures between the adult patients and the total group of patients having repair of tetralogy of Fallot defects. There were, however, striking differences in mortality related to the anatomy of the outflow tract encountered at the time of repair. The disadvantages of operating upon older patients with the tetralogy of Fallot defect are presented. However, it is concluded that repair can be accomplished in the adult patient with a reasonable mortality and morbidity.