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Fontan circulation in children with single-ventricle anomaly: Clinical challenges and nursing care
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Yeganeh Khaleghi1   , Fahimeh Sabeti *2 |
1- Department of Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , sabetifa@yahoo.com |
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Abstract: (8 Views) |
Abstract
Aim. This study aimed to review Fontan circulation in children with single-ventricle anomalies, its associated complications, and to elucidate the role of nurses in the care and management of this condition.
Background. Fontan circulation represents the final stage of surgical palliation in many patients with single-ventricle anomalies in which systemic venous blood is directed to the pulmonary circulation without passing through right ventricle. Elevated systemic venous pressure and reduced cardiac output are the hallmarks of this physiology, predisposing patients to progressive multisystem complications.
Methods. This narrative review was conducted through a comprehensive literature search of studies published between 2007 and 2026. English-language databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, were searched using the keywords Fontan circulation, Single ventricle physiology, Congenital heart disease, Clinical challenges, Cardiac and extracardiac complications, Nursing care, and Interdisciplinary care. Persian databases, including IranDoc, SID, and Magiran, were searched out using the equivalent Persian keywords.
Findings. A total of 24 articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The findings were categorized into the following themes: single-ventricle congenital heart anomalies, Fontan physiology, cardiac and extracardiac complications, growth and developmental disorders, cognitive and psychosocial outcomes, nursing care, and interdisciplinary management.
Conclusion. Fontan circulation is a complex lifelong condition that requires a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach extending beyond cardiac assessment alone. Nurses play a pivotal role in clinical monitoring, family education, promotion of self-management, psychosocial support, and coordination of care. Strengthening specialized nursing care may contribute substantially to improving quality of life and long-term outcomes in this patient population.
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| Keywords: Fontan circulation, Single-ventricle anomaly, Congenital heart disease, Clinical challenges, Nursing care |
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Full-Text [PDF 855 kb]
(7 Downloads)
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: Applicable |
Subject:
Cardiovascular
Received: 2026/06/18 | Accepted: 2025/03/21 | Published: 2026/09/06 | ePublished: 2026/09/06
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