Fontan Procedure Package
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Written & reviewed by Vikram Kashyap, Medical Consultant, Satyug Healthcare
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| Surgery Name | Cost | Room | Hospitalization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fontan Procedure Package | $10050 | single | Patient - 10 days in a room and 1 day in ICU |
✓ Inclusion
- ✔Consultation with a paediatric cardiologist and paediatric cardiac surgeon
- ✔Pre-operative tests: blood count, clotting, kidney and liver function, blood group, viral markers, ECG and chest X-ray
- ✔Echocardiography before and after surgery
- ✔General anaesthesia and perfusion (heart-lung machine)
- ✔Extracardiac Fontan surgery with standard conduit graft
- ✔Operation theatre charges and standard consumables
- ✔1 day in paediatric cardiac ICU
- ✔10 days in a single room with one parent staying with the child
- ✔Routine medicines, blood tests, chest X-rays and nursing care during the stay
- ✔Physiotherapy and dietitian advice; meals for the patient
- ✔One follow-up consultation after discharge
- ✔Free: airport pick-up & drop, visa invitation letter, interpreter & coordinator (Satyug Healthcare)
✗ Exclusion
- ✖Pre-operative cardiac catheterisation and CT/MRI if not already done
- ✖Extra ICU or hospital days beyond the package
- ✖Special grafts, devices or additional procedures (valve repair, pacemaker)
- ✖Blood and blood products beyond the standard requirement
- ✖Treatment of complications such as prolonged effusions or arrhythmias
- ✖Medicines after discharge
- ✖Meals and stay for the second attendant
- ✖Hotel, food, local travel and flights
- ✖Visa fees and personal expenses
Know More About Procedure & Surgery
🇮🇳 PAEDIATRIC CARDIAC PACKAGE — INDIA
Fontan Procedure (Fontan Surgery) in India
The final stage of surgery for children born with only one working heart pumping chamber – such as tricuspid atresia and hypoplastic left heart – performed by experienced paediatric cardiac surgeons at accredited Indian hospitals, at a fraction of Western costs.
✅ Free Medical Opinion in 48–72 h🫀 About 95–98% early survival💰 Starting USD 10,050✈️ Visa & Airport Support🗣️ Interpreter Available
⏱️
4–6 hrs
Surgery time
🏥
11 days
10 ward + 1 ICU
📈
95–98%
Early survival
📅
3–4 weeks
Total stay in India
📖 What is the Fontan Procedure?
A normal heart has two pumping chambers (ventricles): the right one sends blood to the lungs and the left one sends blood to the body. Some babies are born with only one working ventricle. This is called a single-ventricle heart. Examples are tricuspid atresia, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, double inlet left ventricle and unbalanced AV canal. In these children, oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood mix, so the child looks blue (cyanosis) and tires easily.
The Fontan procedure is usually the third and final stage of surgery, done at about 2–5 years of age, after an earlier Glenn shunt. The surgeon connects the large vein from the lower body (inferior vena cava) directly to the lung arteries, usually with a tube graft (extracardiac conduit). Blood then flows to the lungs without passing through the heart, and the single ventricle pumps only to the body. This separates blue and red blood, so oxygen levels rise to near normal. It is a palliation, not a cure, and lifelong follow-up is needed.
🖼️ Understand It in Pictures
💡 In simple words
Some children are born with only one working pumping chamber, so blue and red blood mix and oxygen stays low. The Fontan procedure, usually the last of 2–3 staged surgeries, sends blood from the lower body straight to the lungs so the one pump can serve the body.
Normal heart vs single-ventricle heart
👀 Symptoms in Pictures
📷 What It Looks Like (real photos)
🩻 Scans & Tests — What Doctors See
🎬 The Treatment Journey in Pictures
📅 Recovery at a Glance
Drawings: Satyug Healthcare (simplified, not to scale). Photos: Wikimedia Commons; author and licence under each photo.
🩺 Conditions Treated
🫀
Tricuspid atresia
The valve to the right ventricle never formed, so the right pumping chamber is very small.
💔
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
The left side of the heart is underdeveloped; Fontan follows Norwood and Glenn surgery.
🔀
Double inlet left ventricle
Both upper chambers drain into one main ventricle.
⚖️
Unbalanced AV canal
One ventricle is too small for a two-ventricle repair.
🫁
Pulmonary atresia with intact septum
Small right ventricle not suitable for repair.
🧩
Complex heterotaxy and other single-ventricle hearts
Complex hearts where a two-ventricle repair is not possible.
⚠️ Signs That the Child May Be Ready for Fontan
- ➤Blue lips and nails (oxygen saturation falling to about 75–85%)
- ➤Tiring easily while playing
- ➤Breathless on walking or climbing stairs
- ➤Poor weight gain
- ➤Clubbing of fingers and toes
- ➤Rising red blood cell count (polycythaemia)
- ➤Age about 2–5 years after a Glenn operation
- ➤Echo/catheter show suitable lung pressures
💡 Not every child with a single ventricle can have a Fontan. The lung pressures must be low, the heart valve must not leak badly and the ventricle must pump well. If these conditions are not met, the child may stay with the Glenn circulation longer or need other treatment. Children with two good-sized ventricles usually need a full repair instead.
🔬 Tests Before Treatment
| Test | Why it is done |
|---|---|
| Echocardiography | Checks ventricle function, valve leaks and the Glenn connection |
| Cardiac catheterisation | Measures lung artery pressure – the key test of suitability for Fontan |
| CT or MRI angiography of the heart | Shows the anatomy of veins and lung arteries for planning |
| Oxygen saturation and blood count | Measures cyanosis and red cell levels |
| Liver and kidney function, clotting tests | Checks organs before heart-lung bypass |
| Chest X-ray and ECG | Baseline heart size, lungs and rhythm |
🏥 The Procedure — Step by Step
1
Admission and evaluation
Paediatric cardiologist and surgeon review echo, catheter and CT results.
2
Pre-operative preparation
Blood tests, anaesthesia check-up, blood arranged; child fasts before surgery.
3
General anaesthesia
The child is fully asleep with monitoring lines placed.
4
Opening the chest
Through the previous breastbone scar, carefully freeing old adhesions.
5
Heart-lung bypass
The bypass machine supports circulation during the connection.
6
Extracardiac conduit
A tube graft (usually 16–20 mm) connects the inferior vena cava to the lung arteries.
7
Fenestration (if needed)
A small hole between the conduit and heart may be made as a pressure 'safety valve'.
8
Closure and drains
Chest drains are placed; breastbone is closed with wires.
9
Paediatric cardiac ICU
Close monitoring, ventilator weaned early, medicines to support flow.
10
Ward recovery and discharge
Chest drains removed, blood thinners started; discharge after about 11 days.
⚖️ Stages & Techniques
| Stage / Technique | What is done | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Norwood / BT shunt / PA band | Controls blood flow to lungs in the newborn | Newborns with single ventricle |
| Stage 2: Bidirectional Glenn | Upper-body vein joined to lung artery | Infants about 4–6 months old |
| Stage 3: Extracardiac Fontan | Tube graft outside the heart joins lower-body vein to lungs | Most children today, 2–5 years |
| Lateral tunnel Fontan | Tunnel made inside the right atrium | Selected anatomy, some centres |
| Fenestrated Fontan | Small hole left as a pressure release | Children with borderline lung pressures |
📊 Large registries (Australia and New Zealand Fontan Registry, Mayo Clinic series) report early survival above 95–98% for modern extracardiac Fontan surgery and about 90% survival at 10 years, with lower survival in later decades.
📅 Your Day-by-Day Plan in India
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in India, airport pick-up, hotel check-in ✈️ |
| Day 2–3 | Paediatric cardiology consultation, echo, CT and catheter study if needed |
| Day 4 | Admission and Fontan surgery |
| Day 5 | Paediatric cardiac ICU (1 day) |
| Day 6–14 | Ward recovery, chest drains removed, blood thinners started; discharge after about 11 days in hospital |
| Day 15–21 | Rest near hospital, echo check and wound review |
| Day 22–28 | Final cardiology review, fit-to-fly; fly home ✈️ |
🌱 Recovery After Treatment
🏥
Days 1–3
ICU then ward; pain relief and breathing exercises.
💧
Days 3–10
Chest drains removed once fluid stops; low-fat diet if advised.
🚶
Weeks 2–3
Child walking and playing gently; oxygen levels much higher.
🎒
Weeks 4–6
Back to school; avoid pressure on the breastbone.
⚽
3 months
Most normal play; avoid heavy competitive sport.
💊
Lifelong
Aspirin or warfarin, yearly cardiology and liver checks.
🏆 Success Rate
| Outcome | Result |
|---|---|
| Early (hospital) survival | About 95–98% |
| 10-year survival | About 90% |
| Oxygen saturation after surgery | Usually 90–95% (85–92% with fenestration) |
| Prolonged chest drainage (over 1–2 weeks) | About 20–35% |
| Fontan failure needing transplant (long term) | A minority, rising after 15–20 years |
Results are best when lung pressures are low, the ventricle pumps well and the valve does not leak. Good lifelong follow-up, blood thinners and an active lifestyle help the Fontan circulation last longer.
🩹 Risks & Possible Complications
Fontan surgery is a major heart operation. Possible problems include:
- •Prolonged fluid drainage from the chest (pleural effusion) – the most common problem
- •Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- •Blood clots in the conduit or stroke – reduced with blood thinners
- •Infection of the wound or lungs
- •Bleeding needing re-exploration
- •Long-term liver changes (Fontan-associated liver disease)
- •Protein-losing enteropathy or plastic bronchitis (rare, later years)
💰 Cost of Fontan Procedure in India
The cost of the Fontan procedure in India starts from about USD 10,050 (about USD 6,750 for the procedure plus about USD 3,300 for the extracardiac conduit graft). This includes the surgery, the conduit, anaesthesia, perfusion, 1 day in paediatric cardiac ICU and 10 days in a single room, with one parent staying with the child.
| Option / Hospital tier | Approx. cost (USD) | Hospital stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fontan procedure – this package | from 10,050 | 10 days room + 1 day ICU | Extracardiac conduit, standard case |
| Bidirectional Glenn shunt | 5,000 – 6,500 | 8–10 days | Stage 2 surgery |
| Pre-Fontan cardiac catheterisation | 800 – 1,500 | 1–2 days | Lung pressure study |
| Complex / redo Fontan or conversion | above 10,050 (up to about 13,000) | 2–3 weeks | Extra procedures, longer ICU |
⚠️ Final cost depends on the child's anatomy, conduit type, ICU days, chest drainage duration and any extra procedures. Quotes are confirmed after the specialist examines the patient in India.
📋 What the Package Includes
✅ Included
- ✔Paediatric cardiac surgeon and anaesthetist fees
- ✔Operation theatre and perfusion (bypass)
- ✔Extracardiac conduit graft
- ✔1 day in paediatric cardiac ICU
- ✔10 days in a single room with parent
- ✔Routine medicines and consumables
- ✔Post-operative echo and X-rays
- ✔Physiotherapy and dietitian
❌ Not Included
- ✖Pre-op cardiac catheterisation
- ✖Extra ICU or hospital days
- ✖Blood products beyond standard
- ✖Treatment of complications
- ✖Medicines after discharge
- ✖Hotel and food for family
- ✖Flights and visa fees
✈️ Your Medical Travel Process with Satyug Healthcare
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Send reports | Latest echocardiogram, previous surgery notes (Norwood, BT shunt, Glenn), cardiac catheterisation report with pressures, CT/MRI heart reports, oxygen saturation, child's age and weight, and current medicines. |
| 2. Free opinion & quotes | Within 48-72 hours you receive opinions and cost estimates from 3-5 leading hospitals to compare. |
| 3. Choose hospital & doctor | We help you compare doctors, success rates, room options and total budget. |
| 4. Medical visa | The hospital issues a Visa Invitation Letter (VIL) to the Indian Embassy. The patient and up to 2 attendants apply for an e-Medical / Medical Attendant visa. |
| 5. Travel planning | Flight guidance, wheelchair assistance, airport pick-up, hotel or guest house near the hospital. |
| 6. Treatment in India | Your coordinator and interpreter stay with you for admission, treatment, discharge and billing. |
| 7. Return & follow-up | Fit-to-fly letter, medicines, and online follow-up with your doctor after you return home. |
🎒 Travel Checklist
- 📌Valid passport (6+ months) for the patient and attendants, plus 10 passport-size photos each
- 📌Medical visa / e-visa and the hospital’s Visa Invitation Letter
- 📌All echo, catheter, CT/MRI and previous surgery reports, scans on CD / link and prescriptions
- 📌Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory for travellers from African countries)
- 📌Polio vaccination certificate where applicable
- 📌Declare cash above USD 5,000 at the airport; hospitals accept wire transfer and cards
- 📌Foreigners staying longer than permitted must register with the FRRO — our team assists
⭐ Why Choose Satyug Healthcare?
🏥
Top Accredited Hospitals
Fortis Escorts Heart Institute (Delhi), Medanta – The Medicity, Narayana Health (Bengaluru), Amrita Institute (Kochi), Sir H.N. Reliance and Kokilaben (Mumbai), Apollo Hospitals and Max Saket run large paediatric cardiac surgery programmes.
👨⚕️
Senior Specialists
Surgery is done by paediatric cardiac surgeons and paediatric cardiologists who operate on hundreds of children with complex congenital heart disease each year.
💵
Transparent Pricing
Multiple written quotes to compare — no hidden charges, no extra fee for our service.
🤝
End-to-End Support
Visa, airport pick-up, accommodation, interpreter and 24/7 coordinator.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
➤ What is the cost of the Fontan procedure in India?
It starts from about USD 10,050 (procedure about USD 6,750 plus the conduit about USD 3,300), including surgery, 1 day in ICU and 10 days in a single room. Complex cases, catheter studies or longer stays cost more.
➤ At what age is the Fontan done?
Usually between 2 and 5 years of age, about 1–3 years after the Glenn shunt. Older children and adults who never had it can sometimes be operated on after careful tests.
➤ How long will my child be in hospital?
The package includes about 11 days – 1 day in ICU and 10 days in the ward. Some children need longer if chest fluid keeps draining.
➤ How long should we stay in India?
Plan for about 3–4 weeks, including tests before surgery and a check-up before flying home.
➤ What is the success rate?
In experienced centres, about 95–98% of children survive the operation and about 90% are alive 10 years later.
➤ Will my child's colour become pink?
Yes, oxygen levels usually rise to about 90–95%, so blue colour and tiredness improve a lot.
➤ Is the Fontan a cure?
No. It is the best long-term palliation for a single-ventricle heart. Children need lifelong follow-up, and some may need more treatment or a transplant in adulthood.
➤ What is a fenestration?
It is a small hole made between the Fontan tube and the heart. It acts like a pressure safety valve and can help recovery. It may be closed later with a catheter.
➤ Will my child need medicines for life?
Usually yes – aspirin or warfarin to prevent clots, and sometimes heart medicines.
➤ What are the main risks?
Long chest drainage, rhythm problems, clots, infection and bleeding. Long-term, the liver and gut need monitoring.
💬 Get a Free Opinion & Cost Estimate
Send your medical reports today and receive opinions from India’s top specialists within 48-72 hours.
📞 +91-8860606766 | +91-9910655125 | ✉️ query@satyughealthcare.com
Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information and does not replace a consultation with a qualified specialist. Treatment plans and costs are confirmed only after the patient is examined. Sources: NCBI StatPearls: Fontan Procedure, Single Ventricle; American Heart Association Scientific Statement on the Fontan Circulation (2019); Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic: Fontan procedure; Australia and New Zealand Fontan Registry; Pundi et al. 40-year Fontan follow-up (JACC 2015). Infographics: Satyug Healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Fontan operation usually takes about 4 to 6 hours, including anaesthesia and time on the heart-lung machine. Afterwards the child is cared for in the paediatric cardiac ICU before moving to the ward.
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Fontan procedure in India from USD 10,050 (conduit included). Single-ventricle heart surgery by expert paediatric cardiac surgeons, 95–98% early survival, 11-day stay, visa help.
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