The Fontan procedure is a surgical intervention used in the treatment of complex congenital heart defects. This procedure is typically performed on children who have a single ventricle heart, which means that they are missing one of the heart’s two pumping chambers. The Fontan procedure is a complex surgery that redirects blood flow to the lungs without passing through the missing ventricle. National Library of Medicine states that over 80% of patients who survive Fontan surgery will be alive at 20 years.

Platforms like Medditour connect the patients seeking Fontan procedure to global hospitals and facilitators for affordable and quality oriented treatments with no delay in time.

In this article, let’s find out the significance of Fontan procedure, the procedure itself, and how medical tourism in India influences it.

Significance of Fontan procedure

The significance of the Fontan procedure lies in its ability to improve the quality of life for children with congenital heart defects. Before the Fontan procedure was developed in the 1970s, these children had limited treatment options and often had a significantly reduced life expectancy. The Fontan procedure allows these children to lead more normal lives, with improved oxygenation and heart function.

Fontan Procedure

The Fontan procedure is typically performed in two stages. In the first stage, called the bidirectional Glenn procedure, the superior vena cava, one of the major veins that bring blood back to the heart, is connected directly to the pulmonary artery. This allows oxygen-poor blood to bypass the missing ventricle and go directly to the lungs to be oxygenated.

The second stage of the Fontan procedure involves connecting the inferior vena cava, another major vein, directly to the pulmonary artery. This further reduces the workload on the heart and allows oxygen-rich blood to be circulated throughout the body.

Kids Health states that children who have the Fontan procedure usually spend 1 to 2 weeks in the hospital to recover.

Medical tourism for Fontan procedure

While the Fontan procedure has a high success rate, it is a complex and risky surgery requiring specialized medical expertise. Medical tourism in India has emerged as a viable option for patients seeking affordable, high-quality healthcare. India has a large and growing medical tourism industry, with world-class hospitals and highly skilled doctors offering a wide range of medical procedures at a fraction of the cost of comparable procedures in the United States or Europe.

Medical tourism in India has a positive impact on the Fontan procedure in several ways. First, India has a large pool of highly skilled cardiac surgeons who are experienced in performing complex procedures like the Fontan procedure. These doctors are often trained in top medical schools in the United States or Europe and bring their expertise back to India to provide affordable, high-quality care.

Second, the cost of the Fontan procedure in India is significantly lower than in the United States or Europe. This makes it an attractive option for patients who may not be able to afford the high cost of healthcare in their home countries.

Finally, medical tourism in India provides patients with access to state-of-the-art medical facilities and technology and has a diverse culture. Companies like Medditour help the patients to find opportunities to combine their treatment with vacation.

In conclusion, the Fontan procedure is a complex and life-saving surgery that has significantly improved the quality of life for children with congenital heart defects. Medical tourism in India has emerged as a viable option for patients seeking affordable, high-quality healthcare.