Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Francisco Buendia-Fuentes, Blanca Gordon-Ramirez, Laura Dos Subira, Pablo Meras, Pastora Gallego, Ana Gonzalez, Raquel Prieto-Arevalo, Teresa Segura, Maria J. Rodriguez-Puras, Silvia Montserrat, Fernando Sarnago-Cebada, Andres Alonso-Garcia, Jose M. Oliver, Joaquin Rueda-Soriano
Summary: This study found that adult patients with single ventricle physiology without Fontan palliation exhibit a high mortality rate and frequent major cardiovascular events. At least moderate atrioventricular valve regurgitation, thrombocytopenia, renal dysfunction, and QRS duration > 120 ms at baseline visit are associated with an increased risk of mortality.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Heather M. M. Giacone, Henry Chubb, Anne M. M. Dubin, Kara S. S. Motonaga, Scott R. R. Ceresnak, William R. R. Goodyer, Debra Hanisch, Anthony V. V. Trela, Nicole Boramanand, Erin Lencioni, Derek Boothroyd, Anna Graber-Naidich, Gail Wright, Christiane Haeffele, Seth A. A. Hollander, Doff B. B. McElhinney, Michael Ma, Frank L. L. Hanley, Sharon Chen
Summary: This study assessed the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in Fontan patients and their implications on transplant-free survival. The results showed that 11% of patients were diagnosed with VA, and VA was highly associated with the risk of transplant or death. Older age at Fontan and a history of right ventricular to pulmonary artery conduit were risk factors for VA. A diagnosis of VA in Fontan patients should lead to increased clinical surveillance.
CIRCULATION-ARRHYTHMIA AND ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Peter Kramer, Anastasia Schleiger, Marie Schafstedde, Friederike Danne, Johannes Nordmeyer, Felix Berger, Stanislav Ovroutski
Summary: Aiming at late failure and mortality in adult Fontan patients, we have developed an accurate scoring system to classify Fontan failure and mortality, which requires prospective validation and potential refinement in larger multi-institutional cohorts for risk prediction.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Juliet Emamaullee, Sara Khan, Carly Weaver, Cameron Goldbeck, George Yanni, Rohit Kohli, Yuri Genyk, Shengmei Zhou, Nick Shillingford, Patrick M. Sullivan, Cheryl Takao, Jon Detterich, Paul F. Kantor, John D. Cleveland, Cynthia Herrington, S. Ram Kumar, Vaughn Starnes, Sarah Badran, Neil D. Patel
Summary: The study examined FALD in the young adult population post-Fontan surgery and identified non-invasive markers associated with bridging fibrosis. Bridging fibrosis was observed in 35% of patients within the first decade post-Fontan and was linked to worse survival. Changes in platelet counts, even years before biopsy, and APRI/FIB-4 scores had modest discriminatory power in identifying patients with advanced fibrosis. Steatosis may represent an additional risk factor for disease progression in obese patients. Further prospective studies are needed to develop strategies for screening FALD in adolescents.
Article
Sport Sciences
Karoline Krzywda, Kelli M. Teson, Jessica S. Watson, Suma Goudar, Daniel Forsha, Jonathan B. Wagner, David A. White
Summary: Patients with single ventricle heart disease after Fontan palliation are prone to cardiovascular deterioration. A peak oxygen consumption less than 50% of predicted is an independent predictor of Fontan-related morbidity and mortality. The recovery of oxygen consumption after exercise (VO2RD) has not been extensively studied in youth with Fontan physiology.
MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS & EXERCISE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Nili Schamroth Pravda, Oren Zusman, Ilan Richter, Leonard Blieden, Shahar Vig, Ilan Marchushamer, Alexander Dadashev, Yaron Razon, Ran Kornowski, Rafael Hirsch
Summary: This study investigated the self-reported physical and mental health of Fontan patients. The results showed that adult Fontan patients reported worse physical health but better mental health compared to the general population. These findings have important implications for the care of patients with complex congenital heart disease.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Shinichiro Oda, Satoshi Fujita, Hideki Tatewaki, Akira Shiose
Summary: This article reports a case of coronary artery compression associated with aortic root dilation in a patient with congenital heart disease, and introduces an effective method of treatment using valve-sparing aortic root replacement.
ANNALS OF THORACIC SURGERY
(2022)
Article
Surgery
Juliet Emamaullee, Sean Martin, Cameron Goldbeck, Brittany Rocque, Arianna Barbetta, Rohit Kohli, Vaughn Starnes
Summary: This study analyzed the long-term outcomes of patients post-Fontan procedure and found an increased all-cause mortality in Hispanic population and a correlation between the incidence of FALD and age. This emphasizes the need for specific liver surveillance strategies in patients post-Fontan.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Adam M. Lubert, Tarek Alsaied, Joseph J. Palermo, Nadeem Anwar, Elaine M. Urbina, Nicole M. Brown, Craig Alexander, Hassan Almeneisi, Fred Wu, Andrew R. Leventhal, Nael Aldweib, Michael Mendelson, Alexander R. Opotowsky
Summary: Fontan circulation is associated with decreased cholesterol levels, and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is linked to adverse outcomes, possibly driven by inflammation. Further studies are needed to explore the relationship between the severity of Fontan-associated liver disease and lipid metabolism.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ali Abdulkarim, Shawn Shaji, Mahmud El Fituri, Megan Gunsaulus, Muhammad A. Zafar, Ali N. Zaidi, Robert H. Pass, Brian Feingold, Geoffrey Kurland, Jacqueline Kreutzer, Rod Ghassemzadeh, Bryan Goldstein, Shawn West, Tarek Alsaied
Summary: The Fontan operation has improved the survival of patients with single ventricle physiology. However, there are long-term complications associated with this surgery, including pulmonary complications and cyanosis. Understanding cardiopulmonary interactions and improving the recognition and treatment of pulmonary abnormalities may enhance the long-term outcomes of patients.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Agnieszka Bartczak-Rutkowska, Lidia Tomkiewicz-Pajak, Katarzyna Kawka-Paciorkowska, Natalia Bajorek, Aleksandra Cieplucha, Mariola Ropacka-Lesiak, Olga Trojnarska
Summary: A study investigated the maternal and fetal outcomes of women who had undergone the Fontan procedure in two Polish medical centers. Among 26 pregnancies, 11 ended in miscarriages and 15 resulted in 16 live births. Fetal complications were observed in 9 live births, with prematurity being the most common. Obstetrical complications occurred in 6 pregnancies, including placental abruption, premature rupture of membranes, and antepartum hemorrhage. Specialized care from experienced cardiologists and obstetricians is necessary for these women.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Elmari Neethling, Jane E. Heggie
Summary: The Fontan procedure is a staged palliative treatment for complex congenital cardiac lesions involving single-ventricle physiology. It requires specific anesthesia and intensive care unit (ICU) management. Patients undergoing Fontan palliation may require perioperative support and interventions related to their heart disease, electrophysiology procedures, pacemakers, and advanced mechanical support. The individual patient's condition and reserve will determine the tailored anesthetic and critical care plan.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Eva van den Bosch, Sjoerd S. M. Bossers, Vivian P. Kamphuis, Eric Boersma, Jolien W. Roos-Hesselink, Johannes M. P. J. Breur, Arend D. J. Ten Harkel, Livia Kapusta, Beatrijs Bartelds, Arno A. W. Roest, Irene M. Kuipers, Nico A. Blom, Laurens P. Koopman, Willem A. Helbing
Summary: This study found that blood biomarkers such as NT-proBNP, GDF-15, vWF, DLK-1, ST-2, FABP-4, and IGFBP-7 levels are related to the long-term prognosis of young patients who have undergone the Fontan procedure.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jack Rychik
Summary: The article discusses the mixed emotions and uncertainty surrounding the care of patients with Fontan circulation, highlighting the underwhelming results of the FUEL trial and the search for improved therapies. Dr. Rychik's expertise in this area provides valuable insights into factors affecting pulmonary blood flow in Fontan patients.
JOURNAL OF THORACIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ilona Palyga-Bysiecka, Aneta Maria Polewczyk, Maciej Polewczyk, Elzbieta Kolodziej, Henryk Mazurek, Andrzej Pogorzelski
Summary: This study examines the clinical course, therapeutic measures, outcome, and follow-up of plastic bronchitis (PB) in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and children without cardiac problems. It found that there are differences in the course of the disease in patients without CHD, such as a higher age of first episode of PB, the location of plastic casts, and a stronger role of inflammatory factors and mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Hanna Pragt, Joost P. van Melle, Gijsbertus J. Verkerke, Massimo A. Mariani, Tjark Ebels
JOURNAL OF THORACIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY
(2020)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Hanna Pragt, Mirthe H. Schoots, Ryan E. Accord, Sara C. Arrigoni, Rolf M. Berger, Massimo A. Mariani, Tineke P. Willems, Tjark Ebels, Joost P. Van Melle
JOURNAL OF THORACIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY
(2020)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Arjan J. F. P. Verhaegh, Ryan E. Accord, Elisabeth M. W. Kooi, Sara C. Arrigoni, Arie F. Bos, Rolf M. F. Berger, Tjark Ebels
ANNALS OF THORACIC SURGERY
(2020)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Sophie L. Meyer, Floris-Jan S. Ridderbos, Djoeke Wolff, Graziella Eshuis, Joost P. van Melle, Tjark Ebels, Rolf M. F. Berger, Tineke P. Willems
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2020)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
B. J. Bouma, G. T. Sieswerda, M. C. Post, T. Ebels, R. van Kimmenade, R. J. de Winter, B. J. Mulder
NETHERLANDS HEART JOURNAL
(2020)
Letter
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Sophie L. Meyer, Joost P. van Melle, Tjark Ebels, Rolf M. F. Berger, Tineke P. Willems
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Laura Torlai Triglia, Alvise Guariento, Lorenza Zanotto, Lucia Zanotto, Claudia Cattapan, Renjie Hu, Haibo Zhang, Claudia Herbst, Jurgen Horer, George Sarris, Tjark Ebels, Bohdan Maruszewski, Zdzislaw Tobota, David Blitzer, Giulia Lorenzoni, Daniele Bottigliengo, Dario Gregori, Massimo Padalino, Giovanni Di Salvo, Vladimiro L. Vida
Summary: The overall in-hospital mortality rate for ALCAPA repair was 6%, with significantly higher rates in neonates, patients with lower body surface area, and those requiring postoperative mechanical circulatory support. 15.9% of patients required concomitant mitral valve surgery, and 7.3% needed postoperative mechanical circulatory support.
JOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY
(2021)
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Frederik G. Dikkers, Tjark Ebels
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY AND NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Sara C. Arrigoni, Rinske IJsselhof, Douwe Postmus, Judith M. Vonk, Katrien Francois, Thierry Bove, Mark G. Hazekamp, Friso M. Rijnberg, Bart Meyns, Joeri van Puyvelde, Alain J. Poncelet, Geoffroy de Beco, Pieter C. van de Woestijne, Ad J. J. C. Bogers, Paul H. Schoof, Tjark Ebels
Summary: The study analyzed the survival and incidence of Fontan completion in patients with single-ventricle atrioventricular septal defect. The results showed that patients with moderate-severe or severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation had a worse survival, and repairing the atrioventricular valve could improve the survival rate. This study provides important information for the diagnosis and treatment of these patients.
JOURNAL OF THORACIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Floris-Jan S. Ridderbos, Frandics P. Chan, Joost P. van Melle, Tjark Ebels, Jeffrey A. Feinstein, Rolf M. F. Berger, Tineke P. Willems
Summary: Systemic-to-pulmonary collateral flow in Glenn and Fontan patients can be detected and quantified using four-dimensional flow MRI. However, there are differences in the calculated flow values depending on the formula used.
CARDIOLOGY IN THE YOUNG
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sophie Meyer, Henrik Lauridsen, Kathrine Pedersen, Sofie Amalie Andersson, Pim van Ooij, Tineke Willems, Rolf M. F. Berger, Tjark Ebels, Bjarke Jensen
Summary: The heart of the axolotl salamander can serve as a model system for studying rare congenital heart diseases. Both the axolotl and human DILV hearts can separate blood flows of disparate oxygen saturation in a single ventricle. The axolotls have lower heart rate, lower ejection fraction, and higher resting oxygen consumption compared to DILV.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Eric E. Vinck, Eduardo Posada angel, Rodolfo V. Barrios, Stella I. Martinez, Carlos A. Arias, Juan C. Garzon, Tjark Ebels, Sergio A. Alzate, Alexander Fernandez
Summary: Penetrating cardiac box injuries are common in high-volume trauma centers, requiring rapid surgical consultation. There is still controversy over whether stable patients should undergo thoracoscopic surgery, with the classification and algorithmic approach used in Colombia providing a reference.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Eric E. Vinck, Tjark Ebels, Romain Hittinger, Tim F. Peterson
Summary: Despite the middle to high-income profile of the Caribbean region, there are significant disparities in the technological growth and quality of care in cardiothoracic surgery. Many islands struggle with advancing the field due to lack of local cardiac surgery centers and limited financial funding for minimally invasive thoracic surgery. Efforts are needed not only from local governments and healthcare budgets, but also from surgeons themselves to improve institutional cultures in cardiac and thoracic surgery departments in the Caribbean.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Juergen Hoerer, Yasutaka Hirata, Hisateru Tachimori, Masamichi Ono, Vladimiro Vida, Claudia Herbst, Andrzej Kansy, Jeffrey P. Jacobs, Zdzislaw Tobota, Kisaburo Sakamoto, Tjark Ebels, Bohdan Maruszewski
Summary: A comparison between Japan and Europe using two databases revealed significant differences in congenital cardiac surgical patterns and outcomes, with Japan showing higher surgical complexity and longer postoperative length of stay. Opportunities for continued collaboration and quality improvement were highlighted.
WORLD JOURNAL FOR PEDIATRIC AND CONGENITAL HEART SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Claudia Herbst, Haibo Zhang, Renjie Hue, Juergen Hoerer, Masamichi Ono, Vladimiro Vida, Tjark Ebels, Andrzej Kansy, Jeffrey P. Jacobs, Zdzislaw Tobota, Bohdan Maruszewski
Summary: The study compared patterns of practice and outcomes of pediatric congenital heart defect surgeries between Europe and China. Chinese centers had higher surgical volume, while European centers had more complex cases, with different mortality rates across categories. Operative mortality decreased over time, with a sharper decline in China.
CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE
(2021)