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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Microsurgical Clip Obliteration of Middle Cerebral Aneurysm Using Intraoperative Flow Assessment
Published on: September 25, 2009
[Giant cerebral aneurysm with fontan circulation]
Shinichiro Miyazaki1, Masahide Shinzawa, Kenji Yoshitani
1Department of Anesthesiology, National Cardiovascular Center, Suita.
Insights
Children with Fontan circulation are increasingly needing anesthesia for noncardiac surgery. Careful management of hemodynamics and awareness of potential anatomical abnormalities and arrhythmias are crucial for successful outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Anesthesiology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- The number of children surviving congenital heart disease (CHD) with Fontan circulation is rising.
- Adults with Fontan circulation require anesthesia for noncardiac procedures, presenting unique challenges.
Observation:
- Anesthesia was administered to a 9-year-old patient with Fontan circulation for a complex aneurysm surgery.
- Difficulties in central venous pressure monitoring arose due to collateral vessels.
- Maintaining central venous pressure around 15 mmHg and careful volume management were key to hemodynamic stability.
Findings:
- Ectopic atrial rhythm occurred when heart rate dropped below 75 bpm.
- The patient's cerebral cortex remained non-edematous throughout the procedure.
- Successful extubation was achieved in the operating room after a 13-hour, 40-minute anesthetic duration.
Implications:
- Anesthesiologists must consider potential anatomical variations and arrhythmias in Fontan patients.
- This case highlights the importance of meticulous hemodynamic management in this population.
- Further research into anesthetic strategies for Fontan patients undergoing noncardiac surgery is warranted.
Abstract:
The population of children undergoing successful surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) continues to increase. Increasing number of patients with a Fontan circulation is reaching adulthood and requiring anesthesia for noncardiac surgeries. We anesthetized a patient with a Fontan circulation (9 years old) for giant internal carotid-ophthalmic artery aneurysm trapping. There was a difficulty in cannulating internal jugular vein for measuring central venous pressure because of abnormal collateral arteries around the internal jugular vein. Central venous pressure of around 15 mmHg seemed appropriate to keep good hemodynamic condition during this surgery. In this condition, cerebral cortex was not edematous. Careful management of circulatory volume stabilized hemodynamic state. However, when heart rate decreased below 75, ectopic atrial rhythm occured. Anesthetic time was 13 hr and 40 min. The patient was extubated in the operating room. We have to take into consideration that there are anatomical abnormalities and arrhythmia in the patients with a Fontan circulation.
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