Thromboembolic problems after the Fontan operation.

Abstract

One of the major causes of morbidity and mortality after the Fontan operation is thromboembolic events (TE). To assess the current knowledge of TE after Fontan surgery, a comprehensive MEDLINE search of the English literature from 1971 to 2000 was conducted using the key words Fontan, univentricular heart, children, thrombosis, congenital heart disease, cavopulmonary, and palliation. Other relevant publications were identified from bibliographies of the literature retrieved. Fifty-one studies were identified and analyzed for incidence, potential morbidity and mortality, risk factors, prophylactic options, and risk/benefit ratio of prophylactic anticoagulation as relates to TE after Fontan su..