One of the Few Programs of Its Kind in the Country
A thorough approach to Fontan surveillance and management is critical, but it’s not easy to find. The Fontan Management Clinic at Cincinnati Children’s is one of the few programs in the country that provides coordinated, specialized lifelong care to individuals who have had a Fontan procedure.
We offer comprehensive, family-centered treatment throughout childhood, adolescence and adulthood. A wide range of experts across multiple specialties is here to help you manage your health.
Why You Need Advanced Care After a Fontan Procedure
Fontan operations can be performed on children who are born with a heart that has just one chamber that pumps blood instead of the normal two pumping chambers. A variety of congenital heart disease (CHD) conditions can benefit from a Fontan operation early in life. While Fontan procedures are effective, most people who have them need ongoing care.
After a Fontan procedure, you may be at higher risk of organ damage, blood clots or cardiac disease. You’ll need ongoing care throughout your life to identify and treat these conditions. Our nurse coordinator can ensure you get the care you need from a comprehensive team of specialists. We’re here to help you live your life to the fullest.
Why Choose Cincinnati Children’s?
We manage your care as you live with a single-chambered heart. Your blood flows differently through your body than in someone with a two-chambered heart. Because of this, other organs in your body may need to work harder. That’s why it’s important for you to see specialists beyond cardiologists. Here’s what you can access when you choose us for care:
- Dedicated multidisciplinary team of nationally recognized specialists. Our Fontan management team includes experts in cardiology, childhood and adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), gastroenterology, hepatology, pulmonology and transplant. We coordinate your appointments so you can see all specialists in one visit. We also provide access to our leading combined heart-liver transplants. We pioneered the use of heart-liver transplant for individuals with a Fontan circulation. We work in conjunction with the University of Cincinnati (UC Health) Transplant Program should it be needed.
- Combined heart and liver MRI. Almost all medical centers perform heart MRI and liver MRI separately. When appropriate, we perform a combined heart and liver MRI as a single study, making the process easier for you.
- Nationally Accredited Comprehensive Care Center. Our Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program was one of the first in the nation to earn accreditation from the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) as an ACHD Accredited Comprehensive Care Center. This critical landmark ensures that adults with congenital heart disease can access a high-quality ACHD program.
- Heart and Mind Wellbeing Center. Our center is the first of its kind in the United States. We provide individualized emotional support and mental health care for you, your family and caregivers throughout your journey with a heart condition.
- Second opinions. Our specialists provide online second opinions to help families better understand a diagnosis and make informed care decisions. We make this process secure, convenient and easy for you. Contact us to learn more.
- Pregnancy & Fontan Management. While pregnancy does carry risk, in many cases you can have a healthy pregnancy with a Fontan circulation. We offer highly specialized and coordinated care during your pregnancy.
