Original study
Cardiorespiratory response to exercise after definitive repair of univentricular atrioventricular connection

https://doi.org/10.1016/0167-5273(87)90034-9Get rights and content

Abstract

To characterize the exercise hemodynamic responses after definitive operation for patients with univentricular atrioventricular connection, we compared the cardiorespiratory response to exercise of 4 patients who had undergone the ventricular septation procedure and 9 patients who had undergone the Fontan operation with that of 38 patients who had univentricular atrioventricular connection but had not undergone definitive operation. Exercise duration and total work increased significantly after the Fontan procedure but not after the septation operation. Rest or exercise (or both) ventilation improved significantly after the septation operation but less so after the Fontan operation. Blood oxygen saturation (rest and exercise) improved significantly after either procedure. Cardiac output and stroke-volume response to exercise remained abnormal in both groups of patients after operation. Although definitive operation for univentricular atrioventricular connection results in improved cardiorespiratory function at rest and exercise, these variables remain abnormal when compared with those of normal subjects.

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Cited by (19)

  • Differences in cerebral and muscle oxygenation patterns during exercise in children with univentricular heart after Fontan operation compared to healthy peers

    2019, International Journal of Cardiology
    Citation Excerpt :

    Although both systems can be disturbed in Fontan patients [26], the results of the present study do not support this notion. The maximal heart rate in our patient population however is significantly lower, which has also been described in other literature [27–29]. Chronotropic incompetence in complex congenital heart disease tends to be one of the main reasons for a disturbed heart rate response [26].

  • Imaging and patient-specific simulations for the Fontan surgery: Current methodologies and clinical applications

    2010, Progress in Pediatric Cardiology
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    The modifications to the original Fontan procedure, as well as improved management and care, have steadily improved surgical outcomes, reducing post-operative mortality to the level of many biventricular congenital heart disease repairs [10–12]. However, Fontan patients are still susceptible to numerous, long-term complications [13,14]. While most institutions now report 95% post-operative survival rates, the 10-year survival rate drops to 60–80% [15–18].

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