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Condition

Pediatric Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

The treatment for tetralogy of Fallot is surgery — our heart surgeons have a 100% survival rate in tetralogy of Fallot repair. See our heart surgery outcomes.

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF or "TET") is a condition of several related congenital (present at birth) defects that occur due to abnormal development of the prenatal heart during the first eight weeks of pregnancy. 

"Tetralogy" refers to four heart problems. The fourth problem is that the right ventricle becomes enlarged as it tries to pump blood past the obstruction into the pulmonary artery.

Normally, oxygen-poor (blue) blood returns to the right atrium from the body, travels to the right ventricle, then is pumped through the pulmonary artery into the lungs where it receives oxygen. Oxygen-rich (red) blood returns to the left atrium from the lungs, passes into the left ventricle and then is pumped through the aorta out to the body.

Appointments

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Anatomy of the Heart

This animation presents the anatomy of the heart in detail. Learn about the organ's various parts and the roles that they play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prevention and Risk Assessment

What causes tetralogy of Fallot in children?

Why is tetralogy of Fallot in children a concern?

What are the symptoms of tetralogy of Fallot in children?

Diagnosis

How is tetralogy of Fallot in children diagnosed?

Treatment

What is the treatment for tetralogy of Fallot in children?

What postoperative care should I expect for my child's tetralogy of Fallot?

How can I care for my child at home following tetralogy of Fallot repair?

What is the long-term outlook after my child's tetralogy of Fallot surgical repair?

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Cardiac Surgery at Children's National Hospital

The pediatric heart surgery team at Children's National Hospital performs twice the number of surgeries of any other hospital in the region, with some of the best outcomes in the nation. Discover more about how we can help your child.

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Cardiac Surgery Outcomes Data

Learn about some of the lifesaving surgeries our pediatric heart experts perform each year at Children's National. Find data about the number of operations, how long children stay in the hospital after surgery (length of stay), and how well they recover after surgery (outcomes). 

Providers Who Treat Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

Departments that Treat Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

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Prenatal Cardiology Program

Children diagnosed with heart conditions before they are born receive comprehensive, expert care from our fetal cardiology specialists. Learn more about our Prenatal Cardiology Program.

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Cardiology

The pediatric heart experts at Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., provide advanced care for unborn babies, children and young adults with heart conditions.

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Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

Our pediatric heart surgery team performs twice the number of surgeries of any other hospital in the region, with some of the best outcomes in the nation.