Comparison of Different Pulmonary Valve Reconstruction Techniques During
Transannular Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot
Abstract
Background: Transannular patch, which results pulmonary insufficiency
(PI), is usually required during repair of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). In
this study, we compared 3 types of pulmonary valve reconstruction
techniques during transannular repair of TOF. Methods: Between February
2014 and January 2018, 50 patients with TOF underwent total repair with
transannular patch. These patients were divided into three groups. In
group 1, (n= 15), a single gluteraldehyde treated autologous pericardial
monocusp (standard method) was reconstructed. In group 2, (n= 16) Nunn’s
bileaflet pulmonary valve reconstruction technique was used with
autologous pericardial patch. In group 3, (n= 19), Nunn’s bileaflet
technique was performed with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE)
membrane. Outcomes of the patients with early and mid-term competency of
the pulmonary valves were analyzed. Results: All three pulmonary valve
reconstruction techniques were significantly effective in early
postoperative period. Freedom from moderate to severe PI were 73.3%;
100% and 89.4% respectively. Mortality, duration of intensive care
unit and hospital stay were similar between the groups. The mean
follow-up period was 17.5±13.0 (3 to 57) months. Freedom from moderate
to severe PI decreased to 40%; 81.2% and 73.7% respectively at the
end of the follow-up period. Presence of moderate to severe PI was
significantly higher in group 1 (p: 0,018 between group 1 and 2, p:
0,048 between group 1 and grup 3). Conclusions: All three pulmonary
valve reconstruction techniques provided competent pulmonary valves.
Nunn’s bileaflet technique had better outcome at midterm. This technique
has a potential to delay right ventricular dysfunction at long-term.