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Current Treatment Options of Fontan Arrhythmias: Etiology, Incidence, and Diagnosis

  • Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease (G Singh, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of the review

Patients who undergo single ventricle palliation with a Fontan are at a high risk for developing arrhythmias. This review will address our understanding of pathophysiology, incidence, presentation, and type of arrhythmia, focusing on recent developments.

Recent findings

Patients with the initially described atriopulmonary connection type of Fontan have a high incidence of arrhythmias, with severe consequences. Arrhythmias are less of a problem with the two currently used surgical techniques, the lateral tunnel and the extracardiac conduit Fontan, with the extracardiac Fontan being potentially less arrhythmogenic in the long term.

Summary

There is no role for the atriopulmonary Fontan any longer. As the lateral tunnel and extracardiac conduit patients age, there will be a greater understanding of the unique complications specific to their unique anatomy.

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References and Recommended Reading

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Oregon Health and Science University, 707, SW Gaines Street, CDRC-P, Portland, OR, 97239, USA

    Mohammad Alnoor MD, Mayme Marshall MD & Seshadri Balaji MBBS, MRCP (UK), PhD

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  1. Mohammad Alnoor MD
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  2. Mayme Marshall MD
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  3. Seshadri Balaji MBBS, MRCP (UK), PhD
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Correspondence to Seshadri Balaji MBBS, MRCP (UK), PhD.

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Alnoor, M., Marshall, M. & Balaji, S. Current Treatment Options of Fontan Arrhythmias: Etiology, Incidence, and Diagnosis. Curr Treat Options Cardio Med 22, 53 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11936-020-00849-3

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