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Problems with the right ventricular outflow tract: a review of morphologic features and current therapeutic options

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 January 2005

Luca A. Vricella
Affiliation:
Division of Cardiac Surgery, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, USA
Mazyar Kanani
Affiliation:
Cardiothoracic Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust and Institute of Child Health, London, UK
Andrew C. Cook
Affiliation:
Cardiothoracic Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust and Institute of Child Health, London, UK
Duke E. Cameron
Affiliation:
Division of Cardiac Surgery, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, USA
Victor T. Tsang
Affiliation:
Cardiothoracic Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust and Institute of Child Health, London, UK

Abstract

Repair of complex malformations that necessitate restoration of continuity between the right ventricle and the pulmonary arteries can now safely be performed with low morbidity and mortality. Major concerns still remain on the long-term outlook for these patients, and about the durability of the different prostheses used to restore that continuity, whether during initial correction or at the time of reintervention for failure of the conduit or pulmonary regurgitation. In this review, we discuss the salient morphologic features of the right ventricular outflow tract, and then focus on the indications for early and late intervention, current therapeutic options, and outcomes.

Type
Continuing Medical Education
Copyright
© 2004 Cambridge University Press

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