Posters
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 2)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 3)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 5)
Medical Student
Presentation Type
Poster
Discipline Track
Clinical Science
Abstract Type
Research/Clinical
Abstract
Background: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), a complex congenital heart defect, often requires surgical intervention, and choosing the optimal approach is critical for long-term patient health. While individual studies have highlighted the potential benefits of valve-sparing surgeries, including improved cardiac function and reduced need for reintervention, no comprehensive systematic review has compared these outcomes directly with those of non-valve-sparing surgical techniques. This study aims to fill that gap by analyzing available evidence to provide clearer insights into the effectiveness and potential advantages of valve-sparing approaches thereby guiding clinical decision-making and improving surgical strategies for TOF patients.
Methods: Data collection was conducted using PubMed, PubMed Central, and Medline databases, adhering to PRISMA guidelines to ensure a rigorous and comprehensive review process. The search strategy incorporated Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and key terms to identify relevant studies. Initially, seventy articles were identified, which were then screened based on their titles and abstracts. This process refined the selection to fifteen articles for full-text review, and ultimately, eight high-quality studies were included in the final analysis. Given the significant limitation of available high-quality clinical trials and prospective studies, we ensured that all selected papers met strict inclusion and exclusion criteria and passed quality checks. This systematic approach provides a solid foundation for analyzing and comparing surgical outcomes, contributing valuable insights to the field.
Results: This study analyzed data from 962 patients across eight studies, with 351 undergoing valve-sparing surgery and 611 receiving Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) correction through non-valve-sparing methods. Based on the findings, preserving the native pulmonary valve, this approach promotes better growth and functionality of the valve over time. Additionally, valve-sparing surgery was associated with improved ventricular function in most studies, though findings on the need for reintervention were mixed. Importantly, the risk of complications appeared comparable between the two surgical modalities, yet valve-sparing repair consistently demonstrated superior overall outcomes. However, low birth weight remains a significant risk factor, even for valve-sparing procedures, highlighting the need for careful patient selection and management.
Conclusion: The evidence presented in the current study strongly supports the use of valve-sparing surgery for improved patient outcomes. The present study highlights the significant benefits of valve-sparing surgery over other surgical techniques, providing valuable insights that can inform clinical practice. By demonstrating its advantages, this project serves as a foundation for helping surgeons make more informed decisions regarding patient care.
Recommended Citation
Ibrahim, Amin; Bellamkonda, Arjun; Bhatia, Sonya; Patel, Tirath; Quailes, Natasha; Anand, Nikhilesh; and Gadad, Bharathi S., "Preserving the Native Valve: Does Valve-Sparing Repair Improve Outcomes in the Tetralogy of Fallot Repair?" (2025). Research Symposium. 7.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2025/posters/7
Included in
Preserving the Native Valve: Does Valve-Sparing Repair Improve Outcomes in the Tetralogy of Fallot Repair?
Background: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), a complex congenital heart defect, often requires surgical intervention, and choosing the optimal approach is critical for long-term patient health. While individual studies have highlighted the potential benefits of valve-sparing surgeries, including improved cardiac function and reduced need for reintervention, no comprehensive systematic review has compared these outcomes directly with those of non-valve-sparing surgical techniques. This study aims to fill that gap by analyzing available evidence to provide clearer insights into the effectiveness and potential advantages of valve-sparing approaches thereby guiding clinical decision-making and improving surgical strategies for TOF patients.
Methods: Data collection was conducted using PubMed, PubMed Central, and Medline databases, adhering to PRISMA guidelines to ensure a rigorous and comprehensive review process. The search strategy incorporated Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and key terms to identify relevant studies. Initially, seventy articles were identified, which were then screened based on their titles and abstracts. This process refined the selection to fifteen articles for full-text review, and ultimately, eight high-quality studies were included in the final analysis. Given the significant limitation of available high-quality clinical trials and prospective studies, we ensured that all selected papers met strict inclusion and exclusion criteria and passed quality checks. This systematic approach provides a solid foundation for analyzing and comparing surgical outcomes, contributing valuable insights to the field.
Results: This study analyzed data from 962 patients across eight studies, with 351 undergoing valve-sparing surgery and 611 receiving Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) correction through non-valve-sparing methods. Based on the findings, preserving the native pulmonary valve, this approach promotes better growth and functionality of the valve over time. Additionally, valve-sparing surgery was associated with improved ventricular function in most studies, though findings on the need for reintervention were mixed. Importantly, the risk of complications appeared comparable between the two surgical modalities, yet valve-sparing repair consistently demonstrated superior overall outcomes. However, low birth weight remains a significant risk factor, even for valve-sparing procedures, highlighting the need for careful patient selection and management.
Conclusion: The evidence presented in the current study strongly supports the use of valve-sparing surgery for improved patient outcomes. The present study highlights the significant benefits of valve-sparing surgery over other surgical techniques, providing valuable insights that can inform clinical practice. By demonstrating its advantages, this project serves as a foundation for helping surgeons make more informed decisions regarding patient care.
