Fontan Procedure

If your child has a complex heart condition, the Fontan procedure can help improve the blood flow. At OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois, we’re here to support you and your child every step of the way with Fontan heart surgery.

What is the Fontan procedure?

The cardiac Fontan procedure is the final stage in a series of surgeries for children with certain heart defects where only one ventricle works properly.

This surgery helps direct blood that needs oxygen straight to the lungs without going through the heart. This helps your child's heart focus on sending oxygen-rich blood to their body, which helps them feel better and have more energy.

Glenn and Fontan Procedures

Your child will usually have the Glenn procedure first, typically when they’re 4 to 6 months old. During this surgery, your child’s surgeon will reroute blood from the upper body (head, neck and arms) directly to the lungs. This allows the heart to focus on pumping oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. The Glenn procedure is a key step in getting ready for the next surgery.

Later, when your child is between 18 months and 4 years old, they’ll have the Fontan procedure. This is the final stage of the series. During this surgery, your child’s surgeon reroutes the blood from the lower body (abdomen and legs) to the lungs. As a result, the heart can work more efficiently, and your child can begin to feel better and more energetic.

Complications of Fontan Surgery

While the Fontan heart operation helps many children, it does come with some risks. Complications could include irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), fluid buildup or reduced heart function. Your child will be our priority as our team closely monitors their progress, providing care to manage challenges and support a smooth recovery.

Fontan-Associated Liver Disease

Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) can sometimes happen years after the Fontan procedure due to higher pressure in the veins affecting the liver. To diagnose this, doctors may do blood tests imaging or a liver biopsy. We’ll work with you on a plan to protect your child’s liver health and manage any issues that arise.

Watch for signs in your child, which may indicate FALD:

Excessive tiredness
Swollen belly

Fontan Procedure Protein-Losing Enteropathy

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a rare but serious issue that can show up after the Fontan operation. It means your child’s body is losing protein through the intestines, which can lead to swelling, diarrhea and feeling tired.

To find out if PLE is present, your child’s care team will check protein levels through blood tests and may use imaging. We’ll develop a treatment plan to help your child, which could include special diets, medicine or additional procedures, if needed.

Talk to Your Doctor

Ask your child's cardiologist if a Fontan procedure is right for your child. Need a pediatric cardiologist? Search our provider directory and ask your child's primary care provider for a referral. Need a primary care provider? Browse our directory.

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