An infrequent but devastating late complication of Fontan circulation is protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), which results from unbalanced lymphatic homeostasis. Surgical decompression of the thoracic duct by redirecting its drainage to the pulmonary venous atrium has been introduced recently as a possible treatment. This report describes a single-institution experience with this innovative proce...

OBJECTIVES This study was designed to determine if a subset of patients who have undergone bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis could be identified in which catheterization was of little benefit before completion of the Fontan procedure. BACKGROUND Diagnostic evaluation before Fontan procedure has typically included cardiac catheterization. However, the overall management strategy for pati...

OBJECTIVE The Fontan operation has been proposed as definitive palliation for an increasing variety of hearts with complex univentricular anatomy, but late morbidity after Fontan operation is still a matter of concern. This retrospective study evaluates the late outcome in patients with Fontan circulation. METHODS We included 121 consecutive patients that underwent Fontan operation between 19...

BACKGROUND Fontan is a palliative procedure in patients with single ventricle. Single ventricle supports systemic cardiac output and pulmonary blood flow is passively directed to the right pulmonary artery. Women with Fontan palliation are reported to have increased maternal risk during pregnancy. There are few reports of successful pregnancies in such cases. However data on these pregnancies i...

OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to evaluate factors contributing to a decrease in early mortality and morbidity after the Fontan procedure between January 1, 1992, and December 31, 1999. METHODS Outcomes evaluated were early survival, duration of pleural effusions, and duration of hospitalization. Potential predictors evaluated included anatomic diagnosis, presence of a common atrioventri...