Preservation of right ventricular structure and function following transatrial-transpulmonary repair of tetralogy of Fallot.

Objectives: Management strategy of patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)-including timing, as well as surgical technique-remains a controversial topic. We sought to analyse both early and late results of our consistent policy of non-neonatal transatrial/transpulmonary (TA/TP) repair of TOF over almost 14 years, in order to assess preservation or possible deterioration of right ventricular (RV) function.

Methods: All 245 consecutive patients with TOF, referred to our group for repair between September 1997 and December 2010, have been prospectively followed up.

The contegra® valved heterograft conduit for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction: a reliable solution.

Introduction: The Contegra® bioprosthetic valved conduit, a glutaraldehyde-preserved valve-containing bovine jugular vein graft (Contegra, Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis MN, USA) introduced for clinical trials in 1998, is used for reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), mainly in children. This study evaluates our surgical experience with the Contegra® graft, emphasizing the assessment of conduit durability at mid-term follow up.

The fontan procedure in Greece: early surgical results and excellent mid-term outcome.

Introduction: The Fontan operation (modified from its original version) affords excellent palliation for many patients with various forms of anatomic or functional single ventricle. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of our experience with the Fontan procedure in Greece.

Methods: Fifty-eight consecutive patients with single ventricle physiology had a modified Fontan operation between 1997 and 2009.