Fontan operation in five hundred consecutive patients: Factors influencing early and late outcome

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to review a large, evolving, single-center experience with the Fontan operation and to determine risk factors influencing early and late outcome. Methods: The first 500 patients undergoing modifications of the Fontan operation at our institution were identified. Perioperative variables were recorded and a cross-sectional review of survivors was undertaken. Results: The incidence of early failure decreased from 27.1% in the first quartile of the experience to 7.5% in the last quartile. In a multivariate model, the following variables were associated with an increased probability of early failure: a mean preoperative pulmonary artery pressure of 19 mm Hg or more ( p < 0.001), younger age at operation ( p = 0.001), heterotaxy syndrome ( p = 0.03), a right-sided tricuspid valve as the only systemic atrioventricular valve ( p = 0.001), pulmonary artery distortion ( p = 0.04), an atriopulmonary connection originating at the right atrial body or appendage ( p = 0.001), the absence of a baffle fenestration ( p = 0.002), and longer cardiopulmonary bypass time ( p = 0.001). An increased probability of late failure was associated with the presence of a pacemaker before the Fontan operation ( p < 0.001). A morphologically left ventricle with normally related great arteries or a single right ventricle (excluding heterotaxy syndrome and hypoplastic left heart syndrome) were associated with a decreased probability of late failure ( p = 0.003). Conclusions: These analyses indicate that early failure has declined over the study period and that this decline is related in part to procedural modifications. A continuing late hazard phase is associated with few patient-related variables and does not appear related to procedural variables. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1997;114:376-91)