Fontan circulation
Pronunciation: fon-TAHN
A surgically created circulatory pathway for patients with single ventricle heart defects, bypassing the right ventricle.
Full Definition
Fontan circulation is a palliative surgical technique used for patients born with functional single ventricle heart defects. The procedure creates a pathway that directs venous blood directly to the pulmonary arteries, bypassing the heart's pumping chambers for pulmonary circulation. This is typically the final stage in a series of staged surgical procedures. While it allows patients to survive with complex congenital heart disease, the circulation is inherently inefficient and can lead to long-term complications including arrhythmias, protein-losing enteropathy, and exercise intolerance.
Usage
Usage note: Named after François Fontan; capitalize when referring to the specific surgical technique.
In Context
- "The patient's Fontan circulation has remained stable for fifteen years post-surgery." — Long-term follow-up report
- "Exercise capacity is typically limited in patients with Fontan circulation due to the passive nature of pulmonary blood flow." — Exercise physiology study