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Ko H, Song J, Chi SA, Lee SY, Kim SJ, Lee CH, Park CS, Choi ES, An HS, Kang IS, Yoon JK, Baek JS, Lee JY, Lee J, Huh J, Ahn KJ, Jung SY, Cha SG, Kim YH, Lee YS. The long-term effects of the fenestration in patients with extracardiac Fontan circulation-a multicenter Korean cohort study based on national Fontan registry. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1341882. [PMID: 38774663 PMCID: PMC11106450 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1341882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The long-term effects of fenestration in patients with Fontan circulation remain unclear. We aim to evaluate the fenestration impact on early and late outcomes in patients with extracardiac Fontan (ECF) using a propensity score matching analysis. Methods We performed an extensive retrospective multicenter clinical data review of the Korean Fontan registry and included 1,233 patients with surgical ECF (779 fenestrated, 454 non-fenestrated). Demographics, baseline, and follow-up data were collected and comprehensively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the baseline presence or absence of surgical fenestration. Subsequently, patients were sub-divided according to the fenestration status at the last follow-up. Propensity-score matching was performed to account for collected data between the 2 groups using a multistep approach. The primary outcomes were survival and freedom from Fontan failure (FFF). We also looked at postoperative hemodynamics, cardiopulmonary exercise test results, oxygen saturations, and functional status. Results After propensity-score matching (454 matched pairs), there was no difference in survival or FFF between the 2 groups. However, ECF patients with baseline fenestration had significantly lower oxygen saturation (p = 0.001) and lower functional status (p < 0.001). Patients with fenestration had significantly longer bypass times, higher postoperative central venous pressure, higher postoperative left atrial pressure, and less prolonged pleural effusion in the early postoperative period. The propensity score matching according to the fenestration status at the last follow-up (148 matched pairs) showed that patients with a persistent fenestration had significantly lower oxygen saturation levels (p < 0.001). However there were no intergroup differences in the functional status, survival and FFF. Conclusions Our results showed no long-term benefits of the Fenestration in terms of survival and FFF. Patients with persistent fenestration showed oxygen desaturation but no difference in exercise intolerance was shown between the 2 groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoon Ko
- Department of Pediatrics, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Song
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Ah Chi
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Statistics Center, Samsung Medical Center, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Yun Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Jin Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Sejong General Hospital, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Ha Lee
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Sejong General Hospital, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chun Soo Park
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Seok Choi
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Soon An
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - I. Seok Kang
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ja Kyoung Yoon
- Department of Pediatrics, Sejong General Hospital, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Suk Baek
- Department of Pediatrics, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Young Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joowon Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Sungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - June Huh
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Jin Ahn
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Yong Jung
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seul Gi Cha
- Department of Pediatrics, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeo-Hyang Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyungbook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Seok Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Dong-A University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
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Miwa K, Iwai S, Kanaya T, Kawai S. Impact of Optimal Fenestration Size on Outcomes of High-Risk Fontan Patients. World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg 2024; 15:65-73. [PMID: 37899580 DOI: 10.1177/21501351231203928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to analyze mid-term outcomes of the fenestrated Fontan procedure, focusing on the fenestration size. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of the fenestrated Fontan procedure. Among 165 patients who underwent the Fontan procedure from 2011 to 2021, fenestration was created in 27 patients with the highest risks, including those with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, hypoplastic pulmonary arteries, heterotaxy syndrome with high pulmonary vascular resistance, and pulmonary arterial pressure >15 mm Hg. The patients underwent the procedure at a median age of three years (body weight, 11.4 kg; body surface area, 0.54 m2). Fenestration sizes were 3.5 to 5 mm. RESULTS Spontaneous fenestration closure occurred within one year postoperatively in nine patients. Among them, three experienced Fontan failure, necessitating refenestration. Although fenestration size did not differ, the size corrected by body surface area at the time of surgery was smaller in patients with fenestration closure (6.4 mm/m2 vs 8.3 mm/m2, P < .05). Patients with a fenestration <7 mm/m2 were more likely to have fenestration closure within one year postoperatively, and those with a fenestration >9 mm/m2 were more likely to have severe desaturation and require home oxygen therapy following discharge. CONCLUSIONS Spontaneous fenestration closure affected the frequency of Fontan complications. A very small fenestration size corrected by body surface area was a significant risk factor for spontaneous closure. Conversely, a very large fenestration size corrected by body surface area resulted in severe desaturation. The optimal fenestration size to prevent early spontaneous closure and severe desaturation is approximately 8 mm/m2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Miwa
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shigemitsu Iwai
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomomitsu Kanaya
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shota Kawai
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Osaka, Japan
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Influence of fenestration on long-term Fontan survival. Cardiol Young 2022; 32:1021-1026. [PMID: 34462027 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951121003516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fenestration in the total cavopulmonary connection system may improve the outcome of patients with significant risk factors for Fontan haemodynamics. Our study aims to analyse the difference in long-term survival between non-fenestrated and fenestrated patients. METHODS All consecutive patients (n = 351) who underwent total cavopulmonary connection between 1992 and 2016 were identified. Six early deaths were excluded resulting in a group of 345 patients. Median (interquartile range,) length of follow-up was 14.4 (7.1-19.7) years. Freedom from the composite endpoint of death, total cavopulmonary connection take-down or indication for a heart transplant was analysed. RESULTS Fenestration was absent in 237 patients (68.7%, Group 1), was created and closed later in 79 patients (22.9%, Group 2), and remained open in 29 patients (8.4%, Group 3). Mean survival probability until composite endpoint was 97.1 and 92.9% at 10 and 20 years, respectively. Patients with patent fenestration had worse survival (p < 0.001) as compared to both the non-fenestrated and fenestration closure groups. Despite a similar outcome, exercise capacity was lower in Group 2 than 1 (p = 0.013). In 58 patients with interventional fenestration closure, Nakata index was lower at the time of closure than pre-operatively, and both the pressure in the circuit and oxygen saturation in the aorta increased significantly (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Patients with persisting risk factors preventing fenestration closure are at higher risk of reaching the composite endpoint. Patients after fenestration closure have the worse functional outcome; their survival is, however, not different from the non-fenestrated group.
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Daley M, Buratto E, King G, Grigg L, Iyengar A, Alphonso N, Bullock A, Celermajer DS, Ayer J, Robertson T, d'Udekem Y, Konstantinov IE. Impact of Fontan Fenestration on Long-Term Outcomes: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e026087. [PMID: 35621213 PMCID: PMC9238726 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.026087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background The long-term impact of fenestration at the time of Fontan operation remains unclear. We aimed to review the early and long-term impact of Fontan fenestration in the Australia and New Zealand cohort. Methods and Results We reviewed 1443 patients (621 fenestrated, 822 nonfenestrated) from the Australia and New Zealand Fontan registry. Data were collected on preoperative demographics, operative details, and follow-up. Propensity-score matching was performed to account for the various preoperative and operative differences and risk factors. Primary outcomes were survival and freedom from failure. Median follow-up was 10.6 years. After propensity-score matching (407 matched pairs), there was no difference in survival (87% versus 90% at 20 years; P=0.16) or freedom from failure (73% versus 80% at 20 years; P=0.10) between patients with and without fenestration, respectively. Although patients with fenestration had longer bypass and cross-clamp times (P<0.001), there was no difference in hospital length of stay or prolonged pleural effusions (P=0.80 and P=0.46, respectively). Freedom from systemic and Fontan circuit thromboembolism was higher in the nonfenestrated group (89%; 95% CI, 88%-95%) than the fenestrated group (84%; 95% CI, 77%-89%; P=0.03). There was no difference in incidence of plastic bronchitis, protein-losing enteropathy, New York Heart Association Class III/IV symptoms, or Fontan takedown. Conclusions In the propensity score-matched analysis we have demonstrated no difference in long-term survival or freedom from Fontan failure in patients with and without fenestration. There was a higher incidence of long-term thromboembolic events in patients with fenestration. Overall, it appears that fenestration in Fontan circulation does not bring long-term benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Daley
- Department of Cardiac Surgery Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne Australia.,Department of Paediatrics University of Melbourne Melbourne Australia.,Heart Research Group Murdoch Children's Research Institute Melbourne Australia
| | - Edward Buratto
- Department of Cardiac Surgery Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne Australia.,Department of Paediatrics University of Melbourne Melbourne Australia.,Heart Research Group Murdoch Children's Research Institute Melbourne Australia
| | - Gregory King
- Department of Cardiac Surgery Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne Australia.,Department of Paediatrics University of Melbourne Melbourne Australia.,Heart Research Group Murdoch Children's Research Institute Melbourne Australia
| | - Leeanne Grigg
- Department of Cardiology Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne Australia
| | - Ajay Iyengar
- Green Lane Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Service Starship Children's Health Auckland New Zealand.,Department of Surgery University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Nelson Alphonso
- Department of Cardiac Surgery Queensland Children's Hospital Brisbane Australia.,Queensland Paediatric Cardiac ResearchChild Health Research CentreUniversity of Queensland Brisbane Australia
| | - Andrew Bullock
- Department of Cardiology Perth Children's Hospital Perth Australia.,Adult Congenital Cardiology Division Cardiovascular Medicine Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital Perth Australia
| | - David S Celermajer
- Department of Medicine The University of Sydney Sydney Australia.,Department of Cardiology Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Sydney Australia
| | - Julian Ayer
- The Heart Centre for Children The Children's Hospital at Westmead Sydney Australia.,Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health The University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Terry Robertson
- Department of Cardiology, Women and Children's Hospital Adelaide Australia
| | - Yves d'Udekem
- The Division of Cardiovascular Surgery Children's National Heart InstituteChildren's National Hospital Washington DC
| | - Igor E Konstantinov
- Department of Cardiac Surgery Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne Australia.,Department of Paediatrics University of Melbourne Melbourne Australia.,Heart Research Group Murdoch Children's Research Institute Melbourne Australia
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Greenleaf CE, Lim ZN, Li W, LaPar DJ, Salazar JD, Corno AF. Impact on clinical outcomes from transcatheter closure of the Fontan fenestration: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:915045. [PMID: 36268038 PMCID: PMC9576841 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.915045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meta-analysis of the impact on clinical outcome from transcatheter closure of Fontan fenestration. METHODS Cochrane, Embase, MEDLINE, and Open-Gray were searched. Parameters such as changes in oxygen saturation, cavo-pulmonary pressure, maximum heart rate during exercise, exercise duration, and oxygen saturation after fenestration closure were pooled and statistical analysis performed. RESULTS Among 922 publications, 12 retrospective observational studies were included. The included studies involved 610 patients, of which 552 patients (90.5%) had a fenestration. Of those patients, 505 patients (91.5%) underwent attempt at trans-catheter closure. When it could be estimated, the pooled overall mean age at trans-catheter fenestration closure was 6.6 ± 7.4 years, and the mean follow-up time was 34.4 ± 10.7 months. There were 32 minor (6.3%) and 20 major (4.0%) complications during or after trans-catheter Fontan fenestration closure. The forest plots demonstrate that following fenestration closure, there was a significant increase in the mean arterial oxygen saturation of 7.9% (95% CI 6.4-9.4%, p < 0.01). There was also a significant increase in the mean cavo-pulmonary pressure of 1.4 mmHg (95% CI 1.0-1.8 mmHg, p < 0.01) following fenestration closure. The exercise parameters reported in 3 studies also favored closing the fenestration as well, yet the exercise duration increase of 1.7 min (95% CI 0.7-2.8 min, p < 0.01) after fenestration closure is probably clinically insignificant. CONCLUSION Late closure of a Fontan fenestration has the impact of improving resting oxygen saturation, exercise oxygen saturation, and a modest improvement of exercise duration. These clinical benefits, however, may be at the expense of tolerating slightly higher cavo-pulmonary mean pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher E Greenleaf
- Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery, Children's Heart Institute, Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital, UTHealth, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Zhia Ning Lim
- University College of London (UCL) Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wen Li
- Division of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, UTHealth, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Damien J LaPar
- Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery, Children's Heart Institute, Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital, UTHealth, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jorge D Salazar
- Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery, Children's Heart Institute, Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital, UTHealth, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Antonio F Corno
- Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery, Children's Heart Institute, Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital, UTHealth, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
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Alfares F, Sandhu SK. Fontan fenestration and the role of the covered stent. J Card Surg 2021; 36:4386-4387. [PMID: 34405446 DOI: 10.1111/jocs.15914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fahad Alfares
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Satinder K Sandhu
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
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Do-Nguyen CC, Kilcoyne MF, Gray P, Jonas RA. The evolution of surgical technique of the fenestrated Fontan procedure. J Card Surg 2020; 35:1407-1409. [PMID: 32445189 DOI: 10.1111/jocs.14617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chi C Do-Nguyen
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Maxwell F Kilcoyne
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Patrick Gray
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Richard A Jonas
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's National Heart Institute, Washington, DC
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Extracardiac Fontan Fenestration Device Closure with Amplatzer Vascular Plug II and Septal Occluder: Procedure Results and Medium-Term Follow-Up. Pediatr Cardiol 2020; 41:703-708. [PMID: 31894396 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-019-02283-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine medium-term morbidity and mortality of patients who have undergone device closure of an extracardiac Fontan fenestration with an Amplatzer Vascular Plug II (AVPII) or Septal Occluder (ASO). A secondary objective was to compare medium-term morbidity and mortality between these patients and other fenestrated Fontan patients. A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent an extracardiac fenestrated Fontan procedure between 1992 and 2015 at Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center. Procedural and follow-up data were obtained and compared between those who underwent fenestration closure and those who did not. Additional outcome measures included whether the fenestration had spontaneously closed, morbidity and mortality, oxygen saturations, and hemodynamics pre- and post-closure. Fifty-nine of 118 patients (50%) with a fenestrated Fontan underwent 60 device closures of the fenestration. Thirty-two (53%) of these were with the AVPII and 28 (47%) with the ASO. There was one device embolization. At a median follow-up of 3.9 years, five patients suffered morbidity, including 2 with arrhythmias, 1 with plastic bronchitis, 1 with protein losing enteropathy, and 1 with stroke. There were no cardiopulmonary deaths in this group. Twenty-three of 118 patients (19%) had spontaneous closure. There was no difference in morbidity and mortality between patients who underwent percutaneous fenestration closure and those who either had spontaneous closure or a persistently patent fenestration. Device closure of Fontan fenestrations is a safe and effective procedure with minimal morbidity and mortality comparable to other patients with fenestrations.
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Sassa T, Nakayama A, Saito A, Soma K, Inuzuka R, Hirata Y, Komuro I. Combination Therapy of Fenestrated-Fontan Procedure with Medication Improved Double-outlet Right Ventricle in Adulthood. J Cardiovasc Imaging 2019; 27:288-289. [PMID: 31614402 PMCID: PMC6795569 DOI: 10.4250/jcvi.2019.27.e40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuro Sassa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuko Nakayama
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Akihito Saito
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsura Soma
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Inuzuka
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasutaka Hirata
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Issei Komuro
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Rychik J, Atz AM, Celermajer DS, Deal BJ, Gatzoulis MA, Gewillig MH, Hsia TY, Hsu DT, Kovacs AH, McCrindle BW, Newburger JW, Pike NA, Rodefeld M, Rosenthal DN, Schumacher KR, Marino BS, Stout K, Veldtman G, Younoszai AK, d'Udekem Y. Evaluation and Management of the Child and Adult With Fontan Circulation: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2019; 140:e234-e284. [PMID: 31256636 DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000000696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 435] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
It has been 50 years since Francis Fontan pioneered the operation that today bears his name. Initially designed for patients with tricuspid atresia, this procedure is now offered for a vast array of congenital cardiac lesions when a circulation with 2 ventricles cannot be achieved. As a result of technical advances and improvements in patient selection and perioperative management, survival has steadily increased, and it is estimated that patients operated on today may hope for a 30-year survival of >80%. Up to 70 000 patients may be alive worldwide today with Fontan circulation, and this population is expected to double in the next 20 years. In the absence of a subpulmonary ventricle, Fontan circulation is characterized by chronically elevated systemic venous pressures and decreased cardiac output. The addition of this acquired abnormal circulation to innate abnormalities associated with single-ventricle congenital heart disease exposes these patients to a variety of complications. Circulatory failure, ventricular dysfunction, atrioventricular valve regurgitation, arrhythmia, protein-losing enteropathy, and plastic bronchitis are potential complications of the Fontan circulation. Abnormalities in body composition, bone structure, and growth have been detected. Liver fibrosis and renal dysfunction are common and may progress over time. Cognitive, neuropsychological, and behavioral deficits are highly prevalent. As a testimony to the success of the current strategy of care, the proportion of adults with Fontan circulation is increasing. Healthcare providers are ill-prepared to tackle these challenges, as well as specific needs such as contraception and pregnancy in female patients. The role of therapies such as cardiovascular drugs to prevent and treat complications, heart transplantation, and mechanical circulatory support remains undetermined. There is a clear need for consensus on how best to follow up patients with Fontan circulation and to treat their complications. This American Heart Association statement summarizes the current state of knowledge on the Fontan circulation and its consequences. A proposed surveillance testing toolkit provides recommendations for a range of acceptable approaches to follow-up care for the patient with Fontan circulation. Gaps in knowledge and areas for future focus of investigation are highlighted, with the objective of laying the groundwork for creating a normal quality and duration of life for these unique individuals.
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