How Is Tetralogy of Fallot Treated?
Tetralogy of Fallot must be repaired with open-heart surgery, either soon after birth or later in infancy. The goal of surgery is to repair the four defects of tetralogy of Fallot so the heart can work as normally as possible. Repairing the defects can greatly improve a child’s health and quality of life. The pediatric cardiologist and cardiac surgeon will decide the best time to do the surgery. Their decision will be based on your baby’s health and weight, how severe the defects are, and how severe your baby’s symptoms are. Sometimes, teenagers or adults who had tetralogy of Fallot repaired in childhood need additional surgery to correct heart problems that develop over time. See Living With Tetralogy of Fallot for more information.
