Exercise-dependent changes in ventricular–arterial coupling and aortopulmonary collateral flow in Fontan patients: a real-time CMR study

Abstract

Inefficient V-A coupling was already present at rest in Fontan patients and aggravated during exercise due to a limited increase in ventricular contractility which demonstrates the importance of a limited functional reserve of the single ventricle. APC flow remained unchanged suggesting no further increase in volume load during exercise.