Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 December 2006
We report a 23-year-old patient undergoing functionally univentricular repair who developed cardiac failure due primarily to systemic ventricular dysfunction. The failing Fontan circulation was successfully re-established using intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation. Aortic counterpulsation facilitates recovery of systemic ventricular function, and appears to be a reasonable alternative in select instances of cardiac failure in patients with the Fontan circulation.