[Single cusp homograft implantation in the reconstruction of right ventricular outflow tract in the correction of tetralogy of Fallot].

From 1987 to 1990, 37 children underwent surgical correction for tetralogy of Fallot. The mean age was 38.2 months (2-156 months). The indication for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction in 19/37 (51%) children was: hypoplastic pulmonary valve (n = 10), annular hypoplasia (n = 12), RVOT obstruction and hypoplastic pulmonary artery (n = 10). In 18/37 (49%) children, the repair of the RVOT was done without homograft. The RVOT morphology was the only indication for reconstruction with homograft. All other pre-, intra- and postoperative data were identical for both groups. There was no operative or late death. After a mean follow-up of 4.4 months, all 19 children with homograft were in NYHA class I and echocardiographic evaluation showed mild and moderate pulmonary regurgitation in 8 and 4 children respectively. Out of the 18 children without homograft, 16 were in NYHA class I and 2 in NYHA class II. Two children had early postoperative right heart failure. The mean follow-up time in this group was 5.5 months. Echocardiography revealed residual pulmonary regurgitation in 4 children, pulmonary stenosis in 6 and combined residual pulmonary valve defect in 6. If severe malformation of the RVOT or the pulmonary artery is present, a valved homograft is recommended for repair of tetralogy of Fallot. Good morphological and functional results may be achieved.