Fontan procedures Cost in India

The cost of the Fontan procedure in India typically ranges from $1,500 to $7,000 USD, depending on the hospital, city, and type of procedure.

The Fontan procedure is usually the third stage of surgery for children born with only one working pumping chamber (a single ventricle heart). It redirects blood from the lower body straight to the lungs. The cost usually depends on:

• Pre-operative assessment: including cardiac catheterisation.
• Type of Fontan: for example, an extracardiac conduit.
• Intensive care and hospital stay: which can be prolonged if fluid drains for some time.
• Lifelong follow-up: regular heart, liver and other checks.

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne describes a staged approach for single ventricle conditions such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome:

• Stage 1: a Norwood operation or shunt in the first days or weeks of life.
• Stage 2: a Glenn (cavopulmonary) operation at around 3 months.
• Stage 3: the Fontan operation, often at around 4 to 5 years.

After the Fontan, blood from the body flows to the lungs without passing through a pumping chamber.

A catheter test is usually done first to check pressures and anatomy. During surgery, the vein that carries blood from the lower body is connected to the lung arteries, often with a tube (conduit).

A small hole (fenestration) may be made to act as a pressure release. The operation is done on a heart-lung bypass machine.

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne explains that the Fontan circulation can affect other organs over time. Long-term issues may include:

• Reduced exercise capacity: compared with other children.
• Liver changes: monitored with regular tests.
• Protein-losing enteropathy: loss of protein through the gut.
• Effects on the kidneys and lungs: monitored during follow-up.

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne notes that a normal life expectancy is not expected after a Fontan. Lifelong follow-up with a congenital heart team is needed.