Pulmonary Complications in Patients With Fontan Circulation: JACC Review Topic of the Week

The Fontan operation has resulted in significant improvement in survival of patients with single ventricle physiology. As a result, there is a growing population of individuals with Fontan physiology reaching adolescence and adulthood. Despite the improved survival, there are long-term morbidities associated with the Fontan operation. Pulmonary complications are common and may contribute to both circulatory and pulmonary insufficiency, leading ultimately to Fontan failure. These complications include restrictive lung disease, sleep abnormalities, plastic bronchitis, and cyanosis. Cyanosis post-Fontan procedure can be attributed to multiple causes including systemic to pulmonary venous collateral channels and pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. This review presents the unique cardiopulmonary interactions in the Fontan circulation. Understanding the cardiopulmonary interactions along with improved recognition and treatment of pulmonary abnormalities may improve the long-term outcomes in this growing patient population. Interventions focused on improving pulmonary function including inspiratory muscle training and endurance training have shown a promising effect post-Fontan procedure.