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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
06:29
Wireless Telemetry Device Implantation in a Fontan Ovine Model for Continuous and Long-Term Hemodynamic Monitoring
Published on: May 2, 2025
Long-term cardiopulmonary exercise capacity after modified Fontan operation
Stanislav Ovroutski1, Peter Ewert, Oliver Miera
1Department of Congenital Heart Disease, Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin, Berlin, Germany. ovroutski@dhzb.de
Summary
Fontan palliation in childhood leads to superior long-term cardiopulmonary function. Regular spiroergometry is crucial for monitoring patients with Fontan haemodynamics.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Physiology
Background:
- Fontan haemodynamics require early circuit separation for optimal long-term outcomes.
- Assessing postoperative cardiopulmonary capacity is vital for managing these patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term cardiopulmonary capacity in children and adults following Fontan palliation.
- To test the hypothesis that early circuit separation improves long-term Fontan haemodynamics.
Main Methods:
- Spiroergometry was conducted at least twice on 43 patients (age 7-43 years) with a median follow-up of 4.6 years.
- Exercise capacity (W(max)) and oxygen consumption (VO(2max)) were compared between those operated on in childhood versus adulthood.
Main Results:
- Children demonstrated better early postoperative VO(2max) compared to adults (27.9 vs 22.9, p=0.032).
- Long-term, children showed significantly higher VO(2max) (30.1 vs 16.9 ml min(-1) kg(-1), p<0.001) and W(max) (2.2 vs 1.4 W kg(-1), p<0.001).
- Overall, VO(2max) significantly decreased between early and late testing (26.5 vs 20.7 l min(-1) kg(-1), p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Fontan palliation in early childhood is associated with better long-term cardiopulmonary capacity.
- Regular spiroergometry is essential for monitoring the physical capacity of patients with Fontan haemodynamics.
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