Summary
The hemodynamics, contractility and compliance of the right ventricle were examined
during the early postoperative phase in 9 children operated for correction of tetralogy
of Fallot. The same assessments were made in 5 patients after the transventricular
closure of ventricular septal defects (control group).
A further reduction of the PRV/LV quotient was observed in the Fallot group during
the first 3 hours postoperatively. The contractility of the right ventricle (dp/dt
max) was greatly reduced in all cases. The pressure/volume relationship of the right
ventricle showed severe disturbance in compliance.
The type of correction (with/without outflow tract patch or monocusp) did not appreciably
affect the results. The hemodynamic changes observed in the control group (VSD) were
considerably less pronounced. Apparently it is not the ventriculotomy but the infundibulectomy
which is the traumatic factor of corrections in the area of the right ventricular
outflow tract.
Key words
Tetralogy of Fallot - Hemodynamics of the right ventricle - Early postoperative phase
