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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?

Baby being held and provider is using a stethoscope to diagnose.

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.

Baby being held and provider is using a stethoscope to diagnose.
Young Boy Trying Provider's Stethoscope and Listening to His Own Heartbeat.

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). 

Young Boy Trying Provider's Stethoscope and Listening to His Own Heartbeat.

Meet the Providers Who Treat Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

Patient Stories

  • Sophia's Story

    During a routine 20-week prenatal ultrasound, Carol Kando-Pineda's obstetrician in Fredericksburg, Virginia, spotted abnormalities in Carol's unborn child that she referred to as "possibly inconsistent with life."

Departments that Treat Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

    Dr. Jim Park fist bumps young patient

    Children's National Heart Center

    Our expert pediatric heart team, including more than 40 subspecialties, offer advanced heart care and excellent outcomes for thousands of children every year.

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