Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

A child with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is born with four different heart defects that affect the flow of blood that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body.

Pediatric heart specialists at The Heart Center at Children’s Health℠ perform complex surgical procedures to treat tetralogy of Fallot (te·​tral·​o·​gy - of - Fal·​lot) in the smallest patients. We correct all four heart problems to help your child grow to adulthood and enjoy a full life.

What are the signs and symptoms of tetralogy of Fallot in infants?

Symptoms of tetralogy of Fallot typically appear within hours or days after birth. During a newborn screening, your child’s health care provider may detect a sound known as a heart murmur or your baby may have low oxygen saturation (oxygen level) in their blood.

If the pulmonary stenosis is severe, your baby’s skin, tongue and fingernails may look blue (cyanosis). Cyanosis occurs because not enough blood is going to the lungs to get oxygen. As a result, the blood that leaves the heart and flows through your child’s body is low in oxygen.

Tetralogy of Fallot doctors and providers

Children’s Health has one of the most active heart centers in the country. We specialize in rare congenital heart diseases and perform hundreds of heart surgeries every year. Meet our experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What type of follow-up care does my child need?

    Even after surgery, a child with tetralogy of Fallot needs to see a pediatric cardiologist regularly for ongoing care. A small number of children need additional procedures to treat pulmonary valve problems that may develop.

    At adulthood, your child may receive care at our Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program.

  • Will my child be able to live a normal life with tetralogy of Fallot?

    Some children treated for severe heart defects may need to limit involvement in contact sports or physical activities. A pediatric cardiologist will let you know what activities are safe for your child.

  • What is the life expectancy for someone with tetralogy of Fallot?

    An estimated nine out of 10 infants who undergo surgery to correct tetralogy of Fallot go on to lead full, active lives well into adulthood.

  • How common is tetralogy of Fallot?

    Tetralogy of Fallot is a rare type of congenital heart disease. Each year, approximately 1,600 babies are born in America with this condition.