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

AbstractPurpose of the reviewPatients 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 findingsPatients 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.SummaryThere 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.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research