After the Lateral Tunnel Fontan, the Intra-Atrial Channel Grows and Remains Phasic, Expanding in Systole.

Cross-sectionalPediatric cardiology· Aug 2026

Muhammed Ikbal Aydin, Mitchell C Haverty, Alyssia Venna … Yves d' Udekem

Congenital Cardiac SurgeryCross-sectionalQ2IF 1.8

Fontan intra-atrial channel diameter is larger in systole than diastole, confirming pulsatility.

Muhammed Ikbal Aydin … Yves d' Udekem

Pediatric cardiology · Aug 2026

Methods

We reviewed 67 patients who underwent lateral tunnel Fontan at our center (1989-2009).

n = 67 patients

Results

Channel diameter was larger in systole, 23.8 mm, than diastole, 21.9 mm.

Systole

23.8mm

Diastole

21.9mm

More results

Patients with transplantation, Fontan takedown, or no follow-up within the past 5 years were excluded.

One patient (2%) underwent Fontan takedown.

Three patients (6%) underwent heart transplantation; Fontan-associated liver disease was present in 4 (8%).

More results

Protein-losing enteropathy, chylothorax, and pleural effusion occurred in 1 patient (2%) each.

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Conclusion

These features may help accommodate flow variation in Fontan circulation.