Long-term results of the lateral tunnel Fontan operation

AbstractObjectives: Completion of a total cavopulmonary anastomosis with an intra-atrial lateral tunnel is known to yield good early and midterm results. In this study, we sought to determine the long-term outcome (10 years) after a lateral tunnel Fontan procedure. Methods: Between October 1987 and December 1991, 220 patients (aged 11 months to 32 years) with a wide range of underlying diagnoses underwent a fenestrated or nonfenestrated lateral tunnel Fontan procedure at our institution. Current follow-up information was available for 196 patients (94%, mean follow-up = 10.2 ± 0.6 years). Risk factor analysis included patient-related and procedure-related variables, with death, failure, and bradyarrhythmia or tachyarrhythmia as outcome parameters. Results: There were 12 early deaths (