Total Correction of Tetralogy of Fallot

THE electrocardiogram in patients with tetralogy of Fallot usually shows right axis deviation and right ventricular hypertrophy. After creation of a systemic-pulmonary artery anastomosis, the work of the left ventricle increases, usually accompanied by a corresponding increase in the pattern of left ventricular loading." 2 Following openheart surgery, with closure of the ventricular septal defect and relief of the pulmonary stenosis, the load on the right ventricle decreases. Since main branches of the conduction system of the heart are located in the vicinity of the intracardiac defects, damage to the conduction system is often unavoidable. Electrocardiography offers a sensitive method for the study of resultant conduction disturbances. This paper presents a brief analysis of the changes in the electrocardiogram following corrective surgery for tetralogy of Fallot. The clinical data of the patients and the operative results have been published previously.3 4