Hemodynamics After Fontan Procedure are Determined by Patient Characteristics and Anastomosis Placement Not Graft Selection: a Patient-Specific Multiscale Computational Study

Abstract

Objectives: Patient-specific multiscale modeling simulates virtual surgeries of the Fontan procedure using three different graft options. Predictive modeling details post-operative outcomes that can help inform clinical decision support. Methods: Six patients underwent preoperative cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and catheterization. Virtual surgery is carried out for each patient to test the resulting hemodynamics of three Fontan graft options: ECC, 9mm Y-graft, and 12mm Y-graft. Results: 1) one-way ANOVA p>0.998 in all systemic pressures and flows between graft options, 2) p=0.706 for hepatic flow distribution between graft options, 3) local power loss differences do not affect the systemic circulation, 4) anastomosis positioning modification of the same Y-graft in the same patient changed left PA hepatic distribution from 0.66 to 0.49 Conclusions: Systemic pressures and blood flow after the Fontan procedure are not affected by graft selection but are well influenced by patient pulmonary vascular impedance. The hepatic distribution can be affected by anastomosis placement.