Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Wireless Telemetry Device Implantation in a Fontan Ovine Model for Continuous and Long-Term Hemodynamic Monitoring
06:29

Wireless Telemetry Device Implantation in a Fontan Ovine Model for Continuous and Long-Term Hemodynamic Monitoring

Published on: May 2, 2025

Surgical therapy of arrhythmias in single-ventricle patients undergoing Fontan or Fontan conversion

Jae Gun Kwak1, Woong-Han Kim, Jeong R Lee

  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Sejong General Hospital, Sejong Heart Institute, Bucheon, Korea.

Journal of Cardiac Surgery
|January 19, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Aggressive surgical management effectively controlled arrhythmias in Fontan patients, leading to improved hemodynamics and maintained atrioventricular synchrony in most cases. This study highlights successful outcomes for arrhythmia treatment post-Fontan procedure.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery

Background:

  • Arrhythmias pose significant risks to Fontan hemodynamics.
  • Understanding outcomes of antiarrhythmic treatments in Fontan patients is crucial for improving long-term results.
  • Retrospective review of clinical outcomes for Fontan patients with arrhythmias.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic treatments in patients who have undergone the Fontan procedure.
  • To analyze clinical outcomes associated with surgical and medical management of arrhythmias in Fontan patients.
  • To assess the impact of arrhythmia treatment on hemodynamic stability and atrioventricular synchrony.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 182 patients who underwent Fontan procedures between 1996 and 2007.
  • Focus on 39 patients who experienced arrhythmias pre- or post-Fontan operation.
  • Treatment strategies included surgical interventions (Fontan conversion, Cox-maze, ablation, pacemaker implantation) and medical management.

Main Results:

  • 39 patients (21.4%) presented with various arrhythmias including atrial flutter, fibrillation, junctional rhythm, and sinus node dysfunction.
  • Surgical interventions for atrial flutter/fibrillation in 17 patients resulted in successful management.
  • 89.2% of patients achieved and maintained atrioventricular synchrony post-treatment, with 10.8% showing persistent junctional rhythm but stable hemodynamics.

Conclusions:

  • Aggressive surgical management is highly effective in controlling diverse arrhythmias in Fontan patients.
  • The study demonstrates successful outcomes in maintaining hemodynamic stability and atrioventricular synchrony.
  • Antiarrhythmic strategies, particularly surgical interventions, significantly benefit Fontan patient management.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China08:42

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China

Published on: February 11, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies01:22

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias01:25

Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...