Text B. Treatment of Tetralogy of Fallot

Babies born with Tetralogy of Fallot (FOT) who are experiencing severe symptoms of breathlessness may require emergency surgery to restore normal lung function. This can be done using a procedure known as a Blalock-Taussig shunt (a BT shunt). During a BT shunt, an artery is diverted (or shunted) into the lungs so that a supply of oxygen-rich blood becomes available. Further open heart surgery is then recommended when the baby is old enough to withstand the after-effects of surgery. During open heart surgery, the defect between the ventricles is sealed and the pulmonary valve is widened.

11. From the list below choose the necessary word to fit each blank:

1. Many children with congenital heart defects … delays in their development, such as walking or talking. 2. Some children with congenital heart disease have associated learning difficulties and … specialised educational and psychological assistance. 3. In cases of medium to large –sized defects, … is necessary. 4. In pulmonary stenosis, … is unusually narrow. 5. The … is transported to the body’s cells and tissues, which remove the oxygen from the blood. 6. To understand how congenital heart disease can … a child’s heart and general health, it is useful to understand how a healthy heart works. 7. Childrenoften adopta squatting posture which can help to relieve the symptoms of ….