Converting Fontan-Björk to 1.5- or 2-Ventricle Circulation

Abstract

Patients with tricuspid atresia and ventricular septal defect have in the past occasionally undergone a Fontan with "Björk" modification to create a connection between the right atrium and the right ventricular outflow tract. Although rarely performed now, patients with this physiology often face severe complications requiring reintervention. We hypothesize that surgical conversion to a 2-ventricle or 1.5-ventricle circulation can improve hemodynamics, clinical status, and thus increase time to transplant. We present 2 successful cases to illustrate this idea.