Creation of the Fontan circulation in sheep: a survival model

Patients with a single ventricle survive thanks to the Fontan palliation. Nevertheless, there is a growing number of Fontan patients with progressive heart failure. To validate therapeutic options in these patients, we developed a chronic Fontan large animal model. A Fontan circulation was surgically created in 15 sheep. The superior vena cava was anastomosed end-to-side to the pulmonary artery. The inferior vena cava was connected to the...