[The indication and technique in total correction of tetralogy of Fallot: experiences in 212 patients].

Two hundred and twelve consecutive patients underwent total correction of tetralogy of Fallot at Fuwai Hospital in Beijing between Sept. 1987 to Dec. 1993. They were 131 males and 81 females. Their age ranged from 1 year and 6 months to 37 years. 53 patients were more than 16 years old. Most of them had a typical symptoms and manifestations like cyanosis and clubbing fingers etc. Their HB ranged 155 to 325g/L (mean 21.2 +/- 3g/L). It was more thant 180g/L in 134 patients. SBE was complicated in one patient and reoperation was performed in 3 patients. Maldevelopment or hypoplasia of pulmonary artery and left ventricle were found in 52 patients. Only 2 patients died from nonsurgical cause postoperatively. The mortality was 0.9%. The remaining patients recovered uneventfully. The results suggested that hypoplastic pulmonary artery and left ventricle were not a absolute contraindication of total correction of tetralogy of Fallot. The high hematocrit was also not a high risk factor for death. The key was to correct the pathology completely and manage the complications properly.