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Updated: May 25, 2026

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Published on: May 2, 2025
Fontan operation. Hemodynamic factors associated with postoperative outcomes
Alberto Mendoza1, Leticia Albert, Enrique Ruiz
1Instituto Pediátrico del Corazón, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain. amendozas.hdoc@salud.madrid.org
The Fontan operation for univentricular heart disease has low hospital mortality. Preoperative hemodynamic assessment identifies high-risk patients, improving outcomes through interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease Surgery
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- The Fontan operation is a critical palliative procedure for complex univentricular heart conditions.
- Patients often undergo a bidirectional Glenn procedure before the Fontan operation.
- Understanding clinical and hemodynamic factors is crucial for optimizing Fontan outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize patients with univentricular physiology post-bidirectional Glenn procedure.
- To identify risk factors impacting postoperative outcomes following the Fontan operation.
- To evaluate the role of preoperative assessment in Fontan surgery success.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 32 patients undergoing Fontan operation (2000-2009).
- Review of clinical data, catheterization results, and surgical details.
- Statistical analysis to identify predictors of postoperative outcomes.
Main Results:
- Hospital mortality was 3%, with 90% survival at median 44 months.
- Preoperative mean pulmonary artery pressure correlated with late mortality.
- Nakata index, McGoon index, and cardiopulmonary bypass duration were significant predictors of outcome.
- 42% of patients received pre-Fontan interventional catheterization.
Conclusions:
- The Fontan operation demonstrates low hospital mortality.
- Preoperative hemodynamic evaluation aids in selecting high-risk patients.
- Interventional procedures before Fontan surgery can enhance postoperative results.
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