Expert care for complex hearts

When children are born with conditions that prevent one side of their heart from functioning, doctors perform a series of surgeries to help the other side function on its own. The third and final surgery, which happens when the baby is 3-5 years old, is called the Fontan procedure.

The program has three major components:

• Prevention, early identification and treatment of problems associated with heart function, valve leakage and the Fontan pathway.
• Monitoring and treating the body’s other organs for issues related to the Fontan pathway. Organs like the liver, kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal tract can be affected by elevated pressure in the veins.
• Using a wellness program to monitor how children develop and help them stay mentally healthy, build physical strength and endurance, and optimize lung capacity.

Preventing and treating lymphatic issues in Fontan-single ventricle patients

We carefully watch for and treat a wide range of potential complications that are related to heart problems and can arise after the Fontan procedure. One of these involves lymph – a fluid that is part of the immune system – building up in the lungs and causing serious breathing problems. Children’s Health is only the second hospital in the country to perform a special procedure that seals off the abnormal lymphatic channels and thoracic duct where lymph enters the lungs, to help kids with this complication recover and avoid developing it again.

Comprehensive care

Our team of specialists work closely with each other and with families to provide comprehensive, convenient care that includes:

• Heart, lung, gut, kidney, liver, nutrition and mental health experts coordinating care together. This means our team can evaluate patients from every angle, so we can develop a care plan that addresses all aspects of your child’s health.
• Whenever possible, appointments with every specialist you need are scheduled in one facility on the same day, to make travel and scheduling easier for families.
• A direct phone line to our clinic coordinator who can answer questions, whenever you have them.
• Collaboration with other providers who refer their patients to us, so your doctor and cardiologist can tell us about your child and add our expertise to their care