"Tricuspid valved patch" repair with a polytetrafluoroethylene valved conduit for right ventricular outflow reconstruction

Abstract

As an alternative to bioprosthetic pulmonary valve replacement for patients with late pulmonary insufficiency of repaired tetralogy of Fallot, we developed a novel technique using a handmade polytetrafluoroethylene tricuspid valved conduit, wherein the 2 posterior sinuses of the valve were resected and interdigitated with the native tissue of the pulmonary sinuses, followed by augmentation of the pulmonary trunk with the anterior wall of the conduit. Reliable valvular function of the tricuspid valve and the favorable biocompatibility of polytetrafluoroethylene material along with the growth potential of the repaired right ventricular outflow tract suggest that it may be an optimal alternative especially for young patients.