Mayo Clinic cardiologist Alexander C. Egbe, M.B.B.S., M.P.H., delineates the hemodynamics of the single ventricle, reviews the basics of the Fontan operation, and outlines unanticipated consequences for the patient.

The Fontan operation is used in patients who are born with single ventricle physiology. The operation directly routes systemic venous return into the pulmonary circulation, bypassing the subpulmonary vessel.

The Fontan operation is not a cure. Patients who undergo the operation may develop unanticipated consequences later in life, including atrial arrhythmia, thromboembolism and liver disease, which require treatment and close follow-up with a physician.

Video content outline:

• Introduction
• Single ventricle physiology (0:45)
• Fontan operation (1:48)
• Fontan physiology (3:00)
• Unanticipated consequences of the Fontan operation:
• Atrial arrhythmia (3:42)
• Take-home points for arrhythmia management (9:53)
• Thromboembolism (10:30)
• Take-home points for thromboembolism (13:11)
• Liver disease (13:50)
• Conclusion (15:02)