Impact of Fontan Fenestration on Long-Term Outcomes: A Propensity Score–Matched Analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The long-term impact of fenestration at the time of Fontan operation remains unclear. We aimed to review the early and long-term impact of Fontan fenestration in the Australia and New Zealand cohort. METHODS AND RESULTS: We reviewed 1443 patients (621 fenestrated, 822 nonfenestrated) from the Australia and New Zealand Fontan registry. Data were collected on preoperative demographics, operative details, and follow-up. Propensity-score matching was performed to account for the various preoperative and operative differences and risk factors. Primary outcomes were survival and freedom from failure. Median follow-up was 10.6 years. After propensity-score matching (407 matched pairs), there was no difference in survival (87% versus 90% at 20 years; P=0.16) or freedom from failure (73% versus 80% at 20 years; P=0.10) between patients with and without fenestration, respectively. Although patients with fenestration had longer bypass and cross-clamp times (P<0.001), there was no difference in hospital length of stay or prolonged pleural effusions (P=0.80 and P=0.46, respectively). Freedom from systemic and Fontan circuit thromboembolism was higher in the nonfenestrated group (89%; 95% CI, 88%–95%) than the fenestrated group (84%; 95% CI, 77%–89%; P=0.03). There was no difference in incidence of plastic bronchitis, protein-losing enteropathy, New York Heart Association Class III/IV symptoms, or Fontan takedown. CONCLUSIONS: In the propensity score–matched analysis we have demonstrated no difference in long-term survival or freedom from Fontan failure in patients with and without fenestration. There was a higher incidence of long-term thromboembolic events in patients with fenestration. Overall, it appears that fenestration in Fontan circulation does not bring long-term benefits.