Fontan Procedure

The Fontan Procedure is a surgical method used to treat circulatory problems caused by congenital heart disease. This procedure is used to treat complex heart conditions such as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and other single ventricle conditions. It is an important surgical intervention to save children’s lives and restore heart function and is performed by specialist surgeons.

The Fontan Procedure is used when only one of the heart’s normal two ventricles is effective. In this case, the body lacks a ventricle that can return oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart. In this case, the Fontan Procedure aims to create an artificial blood flow to allow oxygenated blood to circulate throughout the body.

The procedure is usually performed in the first or second year of a child’s life, but in some cases it may be needed later in life. The Fontan Procedure is designed to send oxygenated blood from the baby’s body through the pulmonary artery directly into the pulmonary artery. In this way, a sufficient amount of oxygenated blood can be circulated throughout the body, even when the heart is unable to work effectively.

The procedure usually consists of three stages. The first stage is known as the Glenn Procedure and is performed when the baby is about six months old. In this stage, the pulmonary artery is joined to the aorta and blood flow is directed directly from the heart to the lungs. The Glenn Procedure helps the baby’s heart to direct oxygenated blood to the lungs.

The second stage, the Fontan Procedure, is performed when the baby is about three years old. During this stage, an artificial passage is created that directs the body’s oxygenated blood directly from the heart to the pulmonary artery. This ensures that there is no mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood in the body and that enough oxygenated blood reaches the baby’s vital organs.

The final stage is called the Complete Fontan Procedure and is performed when the baby is about four years old. In this stage, the remaining veins of the heart are connected to the pulmonary artery, allowing oxygenated blood to reach the lungs directly.

In conclusion, the Fontan Procedure is an important surgical procedure used to correct circulatory problems due to congenital heart disease. By restoring the baby’s heart function, this procedure saves his or her life and ensures a good quality of life. However, due to the risky and complex nature of the procedure, it must be performed by specialists and careful postoperative follow-up is necessary.