Heart transplantation after failure of the right ventricle bypass (Fontan operation)

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Abstract

Late failure after a total right heart bypass (Fontan procedure) appears to increase in incidence beyond six years postoperatively. At the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, six children have required heart transplantation for treatment of end-stage failure late after a Fontan procedure.Sepsis from oportunistic organisms was the most common complication and chronic rejection requiring cytolytic therapy was required in two. One patient died early after transplant from cryptococcal septicemia. Overall long term results however, have been with normalization of renal and hepatic dysfunction and significantly improved level of activity.