Total correction of tetralogy of Fallot: late clinical follow-up

Forty-five years after the first repair of tetralogy of Fallot we have sufficient data to describe the post-surgical history of these patients in terms of survival, quality of life and delayed complications. The long-term results of surgical repair during infancy and childhood are good in terms of health assessment and exercise capacity. However arrhythmias and right ventricular dysfunction secondary to ventriculotomy and residual pulmonary regurgitation characterize the delayed follow-up. The identification of the clinical parameters which are predictive of premature ventricular dysfunction and electrical instability is a primary aim of clinical follow-up.