Understanding how Fontan obstruction affects quality of life and exercise in patients with single ventricle heart defects
Official title: Quantification of Fontan Obstruction as a Marker for Quality of Life and Exercise Performance
Funded at Worcester Polytechnic Institute · NIH-10986750 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Fontan surgery affects people with single ventricle heart defects over time, focusing on how changes in heart structure and function relate to their quality of life and ability to stay active.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Worcester Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $409,280 |
| NIH project number | 7R15HL159598-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986750 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone the Fontan procedure for single ventricle heart defects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of single ventricle heart defects or have not undergone the Fontan procedure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term complications faced by patients who have undergone the Fontan procedure for single ventricle heart defects. It aims to redefine Fontan obstruction by considering both the geometry of the total cavopulmonary connection and the performance of the heart's ventricle. By doing so, the study seeks to quantify how this new definition of obstruction correlates with patients' quality of life and their ability to exercise. Patients will be assessed to determine the impact of these factors on their overall health and well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved assessments and interventions that enhance the quality of life and exercise capacity for Fontan patients.
How similar studies have gone: While previous studies have explored aspects of Fontan obstruction, this approach of integrating ventricular performance with obstruction metrics is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wei, Zhenglun Alan — Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Wei, Zhenglun Alan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.