About this Research Topic
The field of congenital heart disease has seen remarkable advancements since the first description of the Fontan procedure by Francis Fontan in the 1970s. Initially designed to manage single ventricle defects, the Fontan pathway has undergone numerous medical and surgical improvements, significantly increasing the survival rates of patients. Many individuals with Fontan circulation now reach adulthood and even midlife. However, this extended survival has brought to light a range of complications that are not yet fully understood or easily managed. Current research highlights the emergence of Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD), rhythm disturbances, and the potential for ventricular assist devices as a bridge to transplantation. Despite these advancements, there remains a critical need for a deeper understanding of these complications and the development of effective management strategies.
This research topic aims to explore and better define the challenges that have emerged in the single ventricle population due to enhanced survival. Specifically, we seek to address issues such as Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD), the development and management of rhythm disturbances, advancements in ventricular assist devices, and new horizons in treatment and care for these patients. By focusing on these areas, we hope to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complications associated with Fontan circulation and identify potential solutions to improve patient outcomes.
To gather further insights into the complexities of living with a Fontan circulation, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Arrhythmic challenges and their management over time
- Liver involvement and the progression of Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD)
- Current options and advancements in managing Fontan circulation failure
- The role and efficacy of ventricular assist devices as a bridge to transplantation
- Emerging research topics in single ventricle physiology
We invite manuscripts in the form of original research, systematic reviews, and case reports to contribute to this important field of study.
This research topic aims to explore and better define the challenges that have emerged in the single ventricle population due to enhanced survival. Specifically, we seek to address issues such as Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD), the development and management of rhythm disturbances, advancements in ventricular assist devices, and new horizons in treatment and care for these patients. By focusing on these areas, we hope to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complications associated with Fontan circulation and identify potential solutions to improve patient outcomes.
To gather further insights into the complexities of living with a Fontan circulation, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Arrhythmic challenges and their management over time
- Liver involvement and the progression of Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD)
- Current options and advancements in managing Fontan circulation failure
- The role and efficacy of ventricular assist devices as a bridge to transplantation
- Emerging research topics in single ventricle physiology
We invite manuscripts in the form of original research, systematic reviews, and case reports to contribute to this important field of study.
Keywords: Single ventricle, Fontan, Failure, FALD, Transplant, Future horizons.
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
