HOMEPRODUCTSCOMPANYCONTACTFAQResearchDictionaryPharmaSign Up FREE or Login

Single-ventricle physiology: perioperative implications.

Abstract
Neonates with functional single ventricles have pulmonary and systemic circulations that are supplied in parallel, creating significant cyanosis and ventricular volume overload. The goal of palliative surgery, excluding transplantation, is to convert single-ventricle circulation from a parallel to a series arrangement. This will ultimately require a complete cavopulmonary anastomosis (Fontan-type procedure) in which vena caval blood is rerouted directly into the pulmonary circulation. Various factors require that this palliation occur in stages. Stage I surgery, which is often a Norwood procedure, is done in the neonatal period and stabilizes, but does not resolve, parallel circulation. The tenuous balance between pulmonary and systemic perfusion during this stage makes noncardiac surgery hazardous, and it should be restricted to urgent or emergent indications. Stage II surgery, or partial cavopulmonary anastomosis, relieves both parallel circulation and volume overload, but not cyanosis. Relatively stable hemodynamics during this stage create favorable conditions for elective surgery. Patients who have undergone stage III surgery, the Fontan-type repair, vary in age from toddlers to adults, and in physical status from well-compensated to significantly debilitated. Fontan patients require thorough preoperative assessment when elective surgery is contemplated. Optimal communication between surgeons, anesthesiologists, and cardiologists is essential when caring for the patient with single-ventricle physiology.
AuthorsScott G Walker, Eckehard A Stuth
JournalSeminars in pediatric surgery (Semin Pediatr Surg) Vol. 13 Issue 3 Pg. 188-202 (Aug 2004) ISSN: 1055-8586 [Print] United States
PMID15272427 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
Topics
  • Adult
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures (methods)
  • Child, Preschool
  • Fontan Procedure
  • Heart Defects, Congenital (physiopathology, surgery)
  • Heart Ventricles (abnormalities, physiopathology)
  • Humans
  • Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (surgery)
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Palliative Care (methods)

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!


Choose Username:
Email:
Password:
Verify Password:
Enter Code Shown: