Lifelong management of patients with a single functional ventricle: a protocol

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Published on: May 2, 2025

D J Fisher1, T Geva, T F Feltes

  • 1Lillie Frank Abercrombie Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston 77030, USA.

Texas Heart Institute Journal
|January 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Patients with a single functional ventricle face significant health challenges. This study introduces a comprehensive lifelong management protocol to improve outcomes for these complex congenital heart defect patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

  • Single functional ventricle is a complex congenital heart defect with high morbidity and mortality.
  • Patients often develop dilated cardiomyopathy a decade after modified Fontan repair.
  • Existing management strategies are often retrospective and lack comprehensive prospective approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a comprehensive lifelong management protocol for patients with a single functional ventricle.
  • To improve the understanding and long-term outcomes for this patient population.
  • To establish a framework for prospective management and data review.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a comprehensive lifelong management protocol.
  • Regular review and analysis of patient outcomes.
  • Prospective approach to managing single functional ventricle patients.

Main Results:

  • The study presents an initial protocol for lifelong management.
  • The protocol aims to enhance understanding of patient challenges.
  • The goal is to improve long-term outcomes through systematic care.

Conclusions:

  • A comprehensive, prospective management protocol is crucial for single functional ventricle patients.
  • Regular outcome review is essential for refining care strategies.
  • This approach holds promise for improving the lifelong health of individuals with single functional ventricles.

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