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

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Single Ventricle Fontan: The Basics for General Cardiologists

Berardo Sarubbi1, Flavia Fusco1, Michela Palma1

  • 1Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy.

Methodist Debakey Cardiovascular Journal
|July 6, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Adults with single-ventricle physiology and Fontan circulation face lifelong risks of cardiac and extracardiac complications. Early recognition and specialized care are crucial for managing these complex Fontan-associated conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Congenital Heart Disease
  • Pediatric Cardiology

Background:

  • Single-ventricle physiology presents complex congenital heart defects.
  • Staged surgical palliation, including the Fontan procedure, has improved survival to adulthood.
  • General cardiologists now frequently manage adults with Fontan circulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a physiology-based overview of single-ventricle anatomy and the Fontan pathway.
  • To review common long-term cardiac and extracardiac complications of Fontan circulation.
  • To outline principles for lifelong surveillance in adults with Fontan physiology.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on single-ventricle physiology and Fontan circulation.
  • Physiology-based approach to understanding Fontan-associated complications.
  • Synthesis of guidelines for surveillance and management.

Main Results:

  • Fontan circulation is palliative, leading to chronic venous hypertension and limited reserve.
  • Common complications include arrhythmias, thromboembolism, ventricular dysfunction, and organ-specific diseases.
  • Lifelong surveillance is essential for early detection of deterioration.

Conclusions:

  • Adults with Fontan circulation require specialized lifelong care.
  • Timely referral to adult congenital heart disease centers improves outcomes.
  • Understanding Fontan physiology is key to managing long-term risks.

Keywords:
Fontan circulationFontan failureadult congenital heart diseaselong-term complicationssingle ventricletotal cavo-pulmonary connection

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