Pediatric Fontan Clinic at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Pediatric Fontan Clinic at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
The Pediatric Fontan Clinic is part of the Heart Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The team provides follow-up care for children who have undergone the Fontan procedure surgery for certain types of single-ventricle heart defects. Our clinic focuses on monitoring and managing potential long-term complications affecting other organs, such as the liver, kidneys, lungs and digestive system. The goal is to improve overall health and quality of life through early detection and treatment of issues like growth problems, clotting risks and nutritional needs.
Nationwide Children's Hospital is ranked by U.S. News & World Report for Cardiology and Heart Surgery.
What Is the Fontan Procedure?
The Fontan procedure is the third surgery to treat single ventricle heart disease and usually happens between two and five years of age. It is one in a series of open-heart procedures. This procedure separates the oxygen-poor ("blue") blood returning from the body from the oxygen-rich ("red") blood that is pumped to the rest of the body.
After the Fontan operation, blood returning from the body flows directly to the lungs without passing through the heart. The heart's single functioning pumping chamber (ventricle) is then dedicated to pumping oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the rest of the body. This circulation improves oxygen levels, reduces cyanosis (bluish discoloration caused by low oxygen), and allows many children to have improved energy levels and quality of life.
Medical management after the Fontan operation is important to ensure the heart, liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, brain and other organs remain healthy. Children with single ventricle may encounter complications such as:
- Fatigue and difficulty exercising
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Liver problems
- Kidney damage
- Learning difficulty and behavioral issues
- Abnormal clot formation
- Loss of protein in the stool
- Abnormal airway plugs or cast formation
Why Choose Nationwide Children's?
The Pediatric Fontan Clinic at Nationwide Children’s includes a full team of specialists who will recognize and treat potential complications to help improve the health and quality of life of children with single ventricle heart defects. Our team includes:
Exercise Physiologist: An exercise stress test will be performed for older patients to assess conditioning level and endurance, ensure there are no heart rhythm abnormalities or issues with blood flow to the heart during exercise, and evaluate lung function. The exercise physiologist will work with your child to develop safe and effective exercise strategies that can be incorporated into everyday life.
Cardiologist: A pediatric heart doctor (cardiologist) will perform a physical exam and will order and interpret cardiac tests. A hepatic evaluation will also be performed through blood testing and imaging.
Psychologist and Neuropsychologist: A neurodevelopmental screening will be performed to address learning or behavioral concerns and assess your child’s quality of life and relationships with friends and family.
Dietitian: A dietitian will meet with your family to identify your child’s specific nutritional needs and will provide nutrition education tailored to those needs.
Social Worker: A social worker will meet with your family to identify non-medical healthcare needs. They will help ensure your family has the financial support needed to cope with your child’s medical condition.
The Pediatric Fontan Clinic will provide comprehensive care for children with congenital heart disease to help improve their overall well-being and quality of life.
To speak with the team, call (614) 722-2350.