Unsatisfactory Early and Late Outcomes After Fontan Surgery Delayed to Adolescence and Adulthood

Abstract

The ideal age to perform the Fontan procedure is still unknown. The aim of this study is to determine outcomes after Fontan surgery delayed to adolescence and adulthood in Australia and New Zealand. Patients who had undergone a Fontan procedure at 15 years of age or older were identified in the 1133 patients registered in the Australia and New Zealand Fontan Registry until December 2012. A total of 45 patients underwent the following Fontan procedure at a median age of 18.3 years (16-21 years): 24 atriopulmonary connections, 10 lateral tunnel, and 11 extracardiac conduits. Hospital mortality was 13% (6 of 45). After a mean follow-up of 15.5 ± 9 years, there were 8 late deaths. Survival rates..