Fontan procedure for univentricular hearts: have changes in design improved outcome?
The Fontan operation has undergone numerous design changes in the last 30 years, which have resulted in an improved morbidity and mortality of patients with a univentricular heart. However, good patient selection and a staged approach to the Fontan operation have also contributed greatly to a better outcome in these patients.
Division of Paediatric Cardiology, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Antoinette
A
Cilliers
Marc
M
Gewillig
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D018729:Fontan Procedure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D011504:Protein-Losing Enteropathies / Q000209:etiology; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome