Investigating the effects of Fontan surgery on heart and liver health in patients with single ventricle conditions.

Acute Imposition of Fontan Physiology in The Single Ventricle Patient: Effects on Fibrosis, Function and Drug Intervention

NIH-funded research Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-10676308

This study is looking at how the Fontan surgery affects the hearts and livers of patients with congenital heart disease, and it’s also testing a medication called spironolactone to see if it can help reduce scarring in these organs after the surgery.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionChildren's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10676308 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on patients with congenital heart disease who have undergone the Fontan operation, a procedure for those with a single ventricle heart. It aims to understand the early effects of this surgery on heart and liver fibrosis, as well as lymphatic function. By assessing these factors before and shortly after the surgery, the study seeks to identify complications that may arise. Additionally, it includes a pilot trial testing the antifibrotic medication spironolactone to see if it can reduce fibrosis in these patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital heart disease who have undergone or are scheduled to undergo the Fontan operation.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a single ventricle heart condition or who have not undergone the Fontan operation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management strategies for patients with single ventricle heart conditions, potentially reducing complications and enhancing quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research in this area, the specific approach of assessing early fibrosis and testing spironolactone in this patient population is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.