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Editorial
. 2007 Feb;93(2):152-4.
doi: 10.1136/hrt.2006.091082. Epub 2006 Oct 11.

Pregnancy and the various forms of the Fontan circulation

Fiona Walker
Editorial

Pregnancy and the various forms of the Fontan circulation

Fiona Walker. Heart. 2007 Feb.

Abstract

The Fontan operation is performed on those with highly complex congenital heart disease and has improved the survival and quality of life of such patients. Inevitably there are late complications secondary to extensive surgery and long-term survival estimates are about 70% at 10 years and 60-63% at 15 years. Pregnancy therefore requires careful prior consideration. However, the opinion that that pregnancy is not advisable for the Fontan patient is somewhat contentious and maybe an oversimplification of what is a highly emotive and complex issue.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None.

Comment on

  • Pregnancy and delivery in women after Fontan palliation.
    Drenthen W, Pieper PG, Roos-Hesselink JW, van Lottum WA, Voors AA, Mulder BJ, van Dijk AP, Vliegen HW, Sollie KM, Moons P, Ebels T, van Veldhuisen DJ; ZAHARA Investigators. Drenthen W, et al. Heart. 2006 Sep;92(9):1290-4. doi: 10.1136/hrt.2005.085407. Epub 2006 Jan 31. Heart. 2006. PMID: 16449503 Free PMC article.

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