Fontan Procedure: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

Fontan procedure is a surgery for individuals born with only one functioning heart ventricle. Following the surgery, the pulmonary artery is the only blood vessel that receives oxygen-poor blood from the body, bypassing the heart chambers. Most patients live for 30 years or more following the surgery.

Who is the best candidate for the Fontan procedure?

Children aged 2 to 15 (generally between 3 and 5) with a single ventricle condition may need a Fontan procedure. However, it’s not suitable for everyone. A healthcare provider will determine if your child is a good candidate by ensuring their working ventricle is strong enough to pump effectively and their lungs are healthy enough to handle passive blood flow.

Classification

Following are the different types of Fonton Procedures:

• Atriopulmonary Connection involves connecting the right atrium directly to the pulmonary arteries.
• Lateral Tunnel Fontan: This method uses an intracardiac tunnel within the atrium to direct blood flow to the pulmonary arteries.
• Extracardiac Conduit Fontan: This method uses the heart by joining the inferior vena cava to the pulmonary arteries, bypassing the heart.

Following are the signs and symptoms before the Fonton Process:

• Cyanosis (bluish skin discoloration)
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue, poor growth
• Fluid retention (edema)
• Decreased exercise tolerance