The V̇e/V̇co2 slope: a useful tool to evaluate the physiological status of children with congenital heart disease

Abstract

Using V̇e/V̇co2 slope is useful for children with congenital heart disease. V̇e/V̇co2 slope is sensitive to pulmonary blood flow maldistribution during exercise, this concerns congenital heart disease with pulmonary regurgitation, tricuspid regurgitation, right ventricular hypertension, and right ventricle outflow tract obstacle. V̇e/V̇co2 slope is a good parameter to follow single ventricles and right heart residual lesions (tetralogy of Fallot; pulmonary atresia; truncus arteriosus…).