Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
06:29
Wireless Telemetry Device Implantation in a Fontan Ovine Model for Continuous and Long-Term Hemodynamic Monitoring
Published on: May 2, 2025
Discontinuous pulmonary arteries do not preclude good Fontan outcomes
Alyssa Randall1, Kathleen Carberry, Charles D Fraser
1Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA. randall@bcm.edu
Congenital Heart Disease
|April 24, 2010
Summary
Pulmonary artery centralization in single ventricle patients with discontinuous pulmonary arteries leads to excellent Fontan procedure outcomes. This strategy enables Fontan candidacy, improving survival and functional status for complex congenital heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Surgery
- Single Ventricle Physiology
Background:
- Discontinuous pulmonary arteries (PAs) are associated with poor outcomes in single ventricle palliation.
- Pulmonary artery centralization is a staged surgical approach to manage discontinuous PAs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of pulmonary artery centralization in single ventricle patients with discontinuous PAs.
- To determine if centralization facilitates Fontan procedure candidacy and improves long-term results.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 12 patients with single ventricle and discontinuous PAs.
- Pulmonary artery centralization procedures performed between November 1997 and December 2005.
- Outcomes assessed by hospital survival, actuarial survival, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification.
Main Results:
- 100% actuarial survival following centralization.
- 75% of patients proceeded to Fontan procedure with a median McGoon ratio of 1.65.
- 100% actuarial survival post-Fontan, with all patients in NYHA class I and no complications like thromboembolism or protein-losing enteropathy.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary artery centralization is an effective resuscitative strategy for discontinuous PAs.
- This approach can lead to favorable outcomes after the Fontan procedure.
- Discontinuous PAs should not disqualify patients from pursuing Fontan candidacy.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Anastomoses
In human anatomy, anastomosis refers to a connection or opening between two things, particularly between blood vessels or other tubular structures. The term is derived from the Greek term 'anastomosis,' which means 'outlet' or 'opening.' This natural network of connections plays a critical role in the survival and functionality of the human body.
Anastomoses can be formed at arterial, venous, and lymphatic vessels.
Arterial Anastomosis: These occur between arteries. They are most common in...
Anastomoses can be formed at arterial, venous, and lymphatic vessels.
Arterial Anastomosis: These occur between arteries. They are most common in...
01:14Fetal Circulation
Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
01:19Overview of Pulmonary Circulation
The pulmonary circulation is a vital system in our body that acts as a bridge between the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. It serves as a transport network for deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs and then returns oxygen-rich blood back to the heart.
The process begins with the right ventricle of the heart pumping deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary trunk. This large vessel extends about 5 centimeters before splitting into the left and right pulmonary arteries. These arteries...
The process begins with the right ventricle of the heart pumping deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary trunk. This large vessel extends about 5 centimeters before splitting into the left and right pulmonary arteries. These arteries...
01:21Coronary Circulation
The heart, an organ critical to survival, gets nourishment not from the blood it pumps but from a separate circulation system known as coronary circulation. This is the shortest circulation in the body and is responsible for supplying the heart with the nutrients it needs to function effectively.
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...