Fontan circulation

The Fontan circulation is a surgical repair for certain congenital heart defects where the heart's normal two-ventricle system is not possible. In this setup, blood from the body bypasses the damaged or missing right ventricle and is directed directly into the lungs for oxygenation through a special pathway. This results in the systemic circulation relying mostly on elevated pressure in the veins to move blood to the lungs. While it improves oxygen levels, it also creates higher venous pressures and can strain the heart over time, requiring ongoing management of potential complications.