Approximately 0.4% of hospitalized patients die within 24 h of echocardiography. There is no increased mortality risk associated with Definity-enhanced examinations, despite evidence for higher clinical acuity and more comorbid conditions in patients undergoing contrast studies.

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Background: Current guidelines consider vitamin K antagonists (VKA) the oral anticoagulant agents of choice in adults with atrial arrhythmias (AA) and moderate or complex forms of congenital heart disease, significant valvular lesions, or bioprosthetic valves, pending safety data on non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Therefore,

In 1971, Fontan and Baudet described a surgical technique for successful palliation of patients with tricuspid atresia. Subsequently, this technique has been applied to treat most forms of functional single ventricles and has become the current standard of care for long-term palliation of all patients with single ventricle congenital heart disease. Since 1971, the Fontan procedure has undergone several variations. These patients require lifelong management including a thorough knowledge of their anatomic substrate, hemodynamic status, management of rhythm and ventricular function along with multi organ evaluation. As these patients enter middle age, there is increasing awareness regarding the long-term complications and mortality. This review highlights the long-term outcomes of the Fontan procedure and management of late sequelae.

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