Patch reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract with pulmonary valve insertion

Although pulmonary regurgitation is generally well tolerated, reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract and insertion of a pulmonary valve are indicated in some patients. This procedure was performed in 12 patients, ages 1 1/2-17 years (mean 10 years). Seven had tetralogy of Fallot; of these, one underwent primary repair with Glenn shunt takedown and six underwent repeat operations after previous repairs. Of these six, the major indication for reoperation was right ventricular outflow tract obstruction in four, tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitation in one, and a residual ventricular septal defect and patent shunt in one. Three had absent pulmonary valve syndrome and two had pulmonary atresia. There were no early complications or deaths in this series during a mean follow-up of 28 months. Repeat cardiac catheterization was performed in eight patients and revealed that the preoperative right ventricular-pulmonary artery gradient was reduced from 58 +/- 25 mm Hg to 11.6 +/- 7 mm Hg at rest postoperatively and was located at the level of the valve. This gradient increased with exercise or isoproterenol infusion to 31 +/- 9 mm Hg. Our experience suggests that right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction with porcine valve insertion can be safely performed with good hemodynamic results. This technique allows insertion of a larger porcine valve and avoids kinking and compression of a conduit behind the sternum.