FONTAN PROCEDURE Meaning and
Definition
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The Fontan procedure is a surgical technique that is performed to treat certain congenital heart defects, specifically those that result in a single functional ventricle (a pumping chamber) instead of the normal two. This procedure is typically conducted in children who are born with a malformed heart, such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome or tricuspid atresia.
During the Fontan procedure, the surgeon creates a direct connection between the inferior vena cava (the vein that carries oxygen-depleted blood from the lower body to the heart) and the pulmonary arteries (the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the lungs). This bypasses the right ventricle, which cannot adequately pump blood in these cases. The blood is thus redirected straight to the lungs, allowing it to receive oxygenation.
The Fontan procedure is typically performed in multiple stages, with the initial surgery initially performed in infancy, followed by subsequent corrective procedures as the child grows. By rerouting the blood flow in this manner, the Fontan procedure helps to alleviate many of the symptoms associated with single ventricle heart defects, such as poor oxygenation, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
As with any surgical procedure, the Fontan procedure carries risks and potential complications, including arrhythmias and development of venous blockages. Therefore, careful monitoring and follow-up care is essential for individuals who have undergone this procedure, both in the short-term and long-term, to ensure optimal heart function and overall health.
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Etymology of FONTAN PROCEDURE
The word "Fontan procedure" is named after the French surgeon Francis Fontan, who developed the surgical technique in the 1970s. Francis Fontan, along with his colleague and collaborator Dr. Guillermo Kreutzer, devised this surgical procedure to treat a specific type of congenital heart defect known as single ventricle physiology. The procedure is aimed at redirecting the blood flow in patients with only one functional ventricle in their heart, allowing them to live with reduced oxygen levels and improved overall circulation. Due to the significant contribution of Dr. Francis Fontan in the development of this surgical technique, it has been widely referred to as the Fontan procedure.
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