[DUPioneerGal]

Hey all!
I am a junior at the University of Denver...will be applying to nursing school early to mid 2007. To start off my senior year this fall, I will be doing an independent study under my advisor titled "Cardiovascular Pathopysiology". More specifically, I will be writing a 30 page paper on the congenital defect Tetralogy of Fallot. I suffer from this condition - had open heart at age 2 - but am amazed at how little I know about it, which is why I chose to research it. Is anyone familiar with the modern correction for this problem? Like I said, I had open heart and they used rain coat fabric for 2 of the 4 repairs (2 of the defects corrected on their own before I went under the knife). I've heard rumors that many cardiac procedures can be fixed today without an actual incision. Is this true?
DUPioneerGal

[EricEnfermero]

Hi,

Just wanted to wish you good luck on your course. Here are a few links related to Tetralogy of Fallot to help you in your initial search for info:

http://www.americanheart.org/present...entifier=11071#

http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic575.htm

http://www.whonamedit.com/synd.cfm/2281.html

http://www.heartpoint.com/congtetralogy.html

[CathMarkRN]

See this movie: Something the Lord Made

http://www.hbo.com/films/stlm/

Lillian Thomas is my hero...

http://www.hbo.com/films/stlm/shareyourstory/index.html

[FuturenurseCA&O]

I've heard rumors that many cardiac procedures can be fixed today without an actual incision. Is this true?

Look up Interventional Radiology...I also had a heart defect...I had an aortic coartation corrected at 36 (!) with a stent placed in my aorta. Also, I believe that valve replacements can now be done endoscopically.

Good Luck!!

~D