2.3 Postoperative RVOT evaluation
After discharge from the hospital, the patients were followed up at
outpatient clinics in our hospital or the referring hospital with
echocardiography, chest X-ray and electrocardiogram were regularly
performed 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and annually, respectively. The
patient’s latest echocardiographic records were collected to evaluate
the diameter and pressure gradient throughout the RVOT and neo-PV, as
well as the continuous-wave Doppler measured tricuspid valve
regurgitation velocity to estimate RV pressure.
The degree of RVOTO was evaluated according to EAE/ASE recommendations
for the echocardiographic assessment of valve stenosis (14). The
indication for reoperation was based on a peak RVOT doppler velocity and
the clinical examination (Ross classification for heart failure in
children): a peak RVOT measured in the distal RVOT greater than 35 mmHg
combined with Ross III assessment, or a peak ROVT greater than 50mmHg
combined with Ross II assessment (15).