Effects of lack of pulsatility on pulmonary endothelial function in the Fontan circulation

Continuous flow in the Fontan circulation results in impairment of pulmonary artery endothelial function, increased pulmonary arterial resistance, and, potentially, late failure of Fontan circulation. We investigated the mechanisms of vascular remodeling and altered vascular reactivity associated with chronic privation of pulsatility on pulmonary vasculature.A total of 30 pigs were evenly distributed in 3 groups: 10 underwent a sham procedure...