Cardiovascular surgery (London, England)
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For treatment of univentricular heart, the Fontan operation has been established as the definitive palliation. The current controversy is mainly based on the high incidence of arrhythmias after an intra-atrial lateral tunnel Fontan operation. ⋯ Modified Fontan operations can be performed in normothermia on the beating heart with acceptable mortality. The extracardiac conduit Fontan procedure has the benefits of less surgical injury and a higher intraoperative flexibility.
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To determine the extent to which informed patient consent for cardiac surgery corresponds with standard guidelines and to assess patient satisfaction with the consent process. ⋯ The study has highlighted areas of informed consent in cardiac surgical patients that need attention. Although, patients were generally satisfied and well informed about the procedure, less information was presented covering alternative treatments, future lifestyle and medications. This was reflected in the questions asked by patients and their suggested improvements for the consent procedure.