The Fontan Outcomes Network Findings After 2 Years and 1121 Participants
A landmark study published in Circulation, one of the most highly regarded and influential journals in cardiovascular medicine, includes significant contributions from Phoenix Children’s Dr. Deepti Bhat alongside a team of national collaborators. The publication reflects meaningful multicenter collaboration and advances care for patients with complex congenital heart disease.
Study Overview
This prospective registry analysis includes 1,121 patients (mean age 16.3 ± 10.2 years; 42% female) enrolled across 38 congenital heart centers in the United States and Canada. The findings provide one of the most comprehensive contemporary views of Fontan outcomes to date.
Key Findings
- Fontan-related adverse events were reported in nearly 60% of participants, including chylous pleural effusions, Fontan thrombosis and non-perioperative stroke.
- Arrhythmias were present in 41% of patients, with prevalence increasing with age.
- Acquired comorbidities affected 58% of participants, including asthma and sleep apnea, with burden rising over time.
- Mental health needs were substantial, with over one-third of patients carrying a diagnosis of anxiety and antidepressant use notably higher among adults.
- Antithrombotic therapy was nearly universal, while use of other cardiovascular medications varied by age.
Together, these findings reinforce the critical importance of proactive surveillance, coordinated care and multidisciplinary Fontan clinics to support this uniquely complex patient population.
Phoenix Children’s Impact
Although Phoenix Children’s Center for Heart Care joined the Fontan Outcomes Network after its first year, the team quickly became a leading contributor. Within six months of enrollment, Phoenix Children’s ranked among the top five enrolling centers, contributing more than 150 patients to the registry—earning our center co-authorship on this high-impact publication.
Following the network’s evolution into the SV-ONE Registry, Phoenix Children’s continues to lead, as of March 1, 2026, currently ranking as the fourth-highest enrolling site among 30 participating centers.
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