Fontan Patients

Advances in management of single ventricle cardiac physiology have increased life expectancy in these patients from a matter of months or years to decades. The reversion of parallel pulmonary and systemic circulations to a series relationship by way of cavopulmonary anastomosis is not without complications. Chronically elevated systemic venous pressures and decreased cardiac output have consequences across multiple organ systems. In addition, new challenges are arising with the improved survival of this high-risk population, which may include impairment in neurodevelopment, academic achievement, future employments, or quality of life. There is no consensus about the care of this patient population to address all these potential complications. This chapter will summarize the Fontan management and complications, in addition to proposing a surveillance testing.