How Good Is a Good Fontan? Quality of Life and Exercise Capacity of Fontans Without Arrhythmias

Abstract

Background: Poor long-term outcomes are expected after Fontan surgery, but these perspectives have been tainted by the poorly functioning Fontans suffering from arrhythmias. No predictions of outcome can be quoted to the increasing number of Fontan patients free from arrhythmic complications. The parameters determining improved exercise capacity and quality of life in this subgroup are yet unknown. Methods: Fontan survivors from our institution and living in Victoria were invited to participate in the study if they were more than 10 years of age, and free of arrhythmias. A mean of 17 ± 4 years after Fontan, 36 patients, 23 with a classical atriopulmonary connection (AP) and 13 with a lateral..