Repair in infancy of tetralogy of Fallot with absence of the leaflets of the pulmonary valve (absent pulmonary valve syndrome) using a valved pulmonary artery homograft

Abstract

SummaryTwo infants, aged eight days and four months, with tetralogy of Fallot and absence of the leaflets of the pulmonary valve, presented with acute respiratory distress and congestive heart failure. Primary repair was performed using a cryopreserved pulmonary arterial homograft. Both infants survived and are doing well three and two years later. A review of the surgical procedures attempted in this symptomatic group of patients is presented together with a discussion of the pathophysiology of this defect.