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Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke
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Incidence, outcome, and risk factors for stroke after the Fontan procedure

David S Chun1, Marcus S Schamberger, Theresa Flaspohler

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Section of Cardiology, Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|December 31, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Stroke risk is higher in patients who undergo hemi-Fontan and Fontan procedures, particularly those with a history of pulmonary artery banding. This finding aids in understanding and mitigating stroke complications in complex pediatric cardiac surgery patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
  • Neurology

Background:

  • The Fontan procedure is a palliative surgical option for complex congenital heart defects.
  • Stroke is a known complication following Fontan-associated surgeries.
  • Identifying risk factors is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence and outcomes of stroke in patients undergoing hemi-Fontan and Fontan procedures.
  • To identify potential risk factors associated with stroke in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of patient records from a single institution.
  • Analysis of data spanning a 13-year period.
  • Statistical examination of stroke incidence, outcomes, and risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Stroke occurred in a subset of patients who underwent hemi-Fontan and Fontan procedures.
  • A history of pulmonary artery banding was significantly associated with an increased risk of stroke.
  • Outcomes of stroke were also analyzed within the study cohort.

Conclusions:

  • Pulmonary artery banding is a key risk factor for stroke in patients undergoing Fontan-type procedures.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and develop preventative strategies for stroke in this vulnerable group.
  • This study highlights the importance of considering surgical history when assessing stroke risk in Fontan patients.

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