RVOT
Also written as: RVOT — Right Ventricular Outflow Tract
The right ventricular outflow tract, the pathway through which blood flows from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
Full Definition
The right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) is the anatomical pathway that conducts blood from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery via the pulmonary valve. This structure includes the infundibulum (outflow portion of the right ventricle), the pulmonary valve, and the main pulmonary artery. In congenital heart disease, RVOT obstruction is common and may require surgical intervention such as patch repair, conduit placement, or valve replacement. RVOT reconstruction is frequently performed in conditions like tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia, and truncus arteriosus repair.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out on first use in formal documents, then use the abbreviation.
In Context
- "RVOT reconstruction was performed using a bovine pericardial patch to relieve obstruction." — operative report
- "Echocardiography showed mild RVOT gradient across the repaired pulmonary valve." — follow-up report