Cor Vasa 2009, 51(6):410-414 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2009.105

The Fontan circulation: evolution of a concept

Zdenek Slavik
Department of Paediatrics, Royal Brompton Hospital, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom

The Fontan circulation is a specific haemodynamic concept developed and modified over the past 50 years to treat paediatric patients with complex congenital heart defects. The common denominator for these defects is usually a single dominant ventricle supporting both systemic and pulmonary circulation together with cyanosis since birth. Two main palliative cardiac surgical procedures (bidirectional superior cavopulmonary and total cavopulmonary anastomosis) are currently used to establish the Fontan circulation. Refinement of surgical techniques and improved understanding of perioperative and postoperative complications led to improvement in the survival of children and adults with complex congenital heart defects.

Keywords: Fontan circulation; Superior bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis; Total cavopulmonary anastomosis; Complex heart defects

Published: June 1, 2009  Show citation

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Slavik Z. The Fontan circulation: evolution of a concept. Cor Vasa. 2009;51(6):410-414. doi: 10.33678/cor.2009.105.
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