Mechanisms of systemic adaptation to univentricular Fontan conversion.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

After univentricular Fontan conversion, systemic venous pressure serves as the sole driving force for transpulmonary blood flow. Consequently, systemic venous return is markedly altered and ventricular filling is subnormal. The mechanisms and time course of systemic adaptation to Fontan conversion are incompletely understood. We hypothesized that acute elevation in systemic venous pressure induces an adaptive response similar to conversion to a univentricular Fontan circulation.

Methods

Adjustable vessel occluders were placed around the superior and inferior vena cavae in juvenile sheep. After 1-week recovery, occluders were tightened to acutely increase and maintain systemic venous pressure at 15 mm Hg (n = 6), simulating 1-stage Fontan conversion. Control animals

SUBMITTER: Myers CD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2925053 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature