Lymphatic Function in Patients With a Fontan-Kreutzer Circulation

The lymphatics regulate the interstitial fluid by removing excessive fluid. It represents an extremely important step in the prevention of edema. The Fontan-Kreutzer procedure has revolutionized the treatment of univentricular hearts. However, it is associated with severe complications such as protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) and peripheral edema that may involve the lymphatic circulation. Our hypothesis is that patients with a univentricular circulation have a reduced functionality of the lymphatic vasculature, which predisposes them to developing complications such as edema and PLE. The functional state of lymphatics is investigated using near infrared fluorescence imaging, NIRF. The anatomy is described using non-contrast MRI and the capillary filtration rate is measured using plethysmography.