Cost
$5,000 - $10,000
Procedure Type:
Surgical Procedure
Hospitalization Days:
10-20 days
Procedure Duration:
4-5 hrs
Success Rate:
85-95%
Children born with certain complex heart defects have only one functioning pumping chamber instead of two. For these children, a normal heart circulation is not possible. The Fontan procedure is a life-saving surgery that helps redirect blood flow so the body can receive oxygen-rich blood more effectively.
The Fontan procedure in India is widely chosen by international families because of highly experienced pediatric cardiac surgeons, advanced heart-lung support systems, excellent intensive care, and significantly lower treatment costs. Indian hospitals perform a large number of complex congenital heart surgeries every year with outcomes comparable to top global centers. The cost of Fontan surgery in India ranges from USD 5,000 to USD 10,000.
The Fontan procedure is a final-stage heart surgery performed in children born with single-ventricle congenital heart defects, where only one ventricle is capable of pumping blood effectively.
In a normal heart:
In Fontan circulation:
This surgery reduces mixing of oxygen-poor and oxygen-rich blood and improves the body’s oxygen levels.
The Fontan procedure is usually performed as the third stage in a series of heart surgeries during early childhood. The Fontan procedure creates a modified circulation that allows children with complex heart defects to survive and grow.
Over time, surgical techniques for the Fontan procedure have evolved to improve safety and long-term outcomes. The choice of technique depends on the child’s heart anatomy and prior surgeries.
In this technique, a tunnel is created inside the right atrium to direct blood from the lower body to the lungs.
This is the most commonly performed Fontan procedure today.
This approach has better long-term outcomes and fewer complications.
In some children, a small controlled opening (fenestration) is created.
Modern Fontan techniques focus on improving survival, reducing complications, and enhancing long-term quality of life.
Not every child with a heart defect is suitable for the Fontan procedure. Careful evaluation is essential.
A child may be a good candidate if:
Doctors also assess liver function, oxygen levels, and overall growth before recommending surgery. Strict selection criteria ensure the Fontan procedure is performed safely with the best possible outcomes.
Before Fontan surgery, extensive testing is required to confirm readiness and minimize risk.
Common evaluations include:
Families receive detailed counseling about surgery, recovery, and long-term expectations. Thorough pre-surgical evaluation is critical for the success of the Fontan procedure.
Fontan surgery packages in India are designed to cover essential hospital-based care.
Typically included:
Not included:
Transparent packages help families plan treatment clearly and confidently.
India has become a leading destination for complex pediatric cardiac surgery, including Fontan procedures. Indian hospitals were among the early adopters of modern extracardiac Fontan techniques and advanced pediatric cardiac intensive care. Many centers now routinely perform high-risk congenital heart surgeries with excellent outcomes.
Key advantages include:
India combines expertise, technology, and affordability for world-class Fontan surgery.
Fontan surgery is a major, long-term pediatric heart procedure that often requires extended hospitalization and careful post-surgical monitoring. Families traveling internationally for this surgery need structured, practical support alongside medical care. Indian medical facilitators offering Fontan surgery provide dedicated international patient coordination teams to guide families through every non-medical aspect of the journey.
Insurance coverage for Fontan surgery varies by country and policy. To help families plan confidently, hospital teams assist with:
This support helps families understand expenses clearly and reduces uncertainty during financial planning.
Because Fontan surgery involves long stays and follow-up care, proper visa planning is essential. Hospitals assist by:
Traveling with a child undergoing heart surgery can be challenging. Hospitals help families manage daily logistics through:
Many hospitals also help families identify nearby pharmacies, emergency services, and child-friendly meal options during the stay.
With a balanced combination of hands-on guidance and practical support, Indian hospitals ensure families can focus on their child’s recovery after Fontan surgery, while all insurance, visa, and travel-related needs are handled smoothly and efficiently.
The cost of Fontan surgery in India depends on surgical complexity and ICU requirements. The cost of Fontan surgery in India ranges from USD 5,000 to USD 10,000.
Approximate costs:
These costs are significantly lower than in many developed countries. India offers high-quality Fontan surgery at affordable and transparent costs.
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Hospitalisation Support
Several factors affect the final treatment cost.
These include:
Each child receives a personalized treatment plan and cost estimate.
| Country | Approximate Cost (USD) |
| India | USD 5,000 - 10,000 |
| USA | USD 150,000 - 300,000 |
| UK | USD 120,000 - 200,000 |
| UAE | USD 80,000 - 150,000 |
| Thailand | USD 50,000 - 100,000 |
India provides one of the most cost-effective options for Fontan surgery globally.
The Fontan procedure is a major heart surgery that requires careful planning, expert execution, and close monitoring after surgery. Understanding what happens during each stage helps families feel better prepared and less anxious.
The Fontan surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes 4 to 6 hours. During the operation, the child is connected to a heart-lung bypass machine, which temporarily takes over the work of the heart and lungs.
The surgeon reroutes blood returning from the lower body directly to the lungs, so it no longer passes through the heart. This allows oxygen-poor blood to reach the lungs more efficiently while the single ventricle pumps oxygen-rich blood to the body.
Throughout the procedure, advanced monitoring systems are used to track heart function, oxygen levels, and blood pressure to ensure safety.
After surgery, the child is shifted to a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (ICU) for close observation.
During this time, doctors focus on stabilizing oxygen levels, managing fluids, preventing infections, and ensuring the heart is adapting well to the new circulation.
Rehabilitation begins in the hospital itself. Feeding is restarted slowly, oxygen support is reduced gradually, and gentle movement is encouraged. Parents are trained on medication schedules, wound care, and how to safely handle the child at home.
The Fontan procedure involves not just surgery, but a carefully managed hospital stay and early rehabilitation to ensure the child stabilizes safely before discharge.
Recovery after the Fontan procedure is gradual and ongoing, as the child’s body needs time to adjust to the new blood circulation. While many children show improvement in oxygen levels, long-term care and follow-up are essential.
Every child recovers at a different pace, and doctors adjust care accordingly.
After discharge, careful home care is very important. This usually includes:
Parents are also guided on activity limits, warning signs to watch for, and when to seek urgent medical help.
With proper aftercare, regular follow-up, and family support, many children recover well after the Fontan procedure and go on to live active, meaningful lives, though lifelong medical supervision remains essential.
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Conditions with a single functional ventricle, such as tricuspid atresia or hypoplastic left heart syndrome, may require a Fontan procedure.
It is usually performed between 2 and 5 years of age, after earlier staged surgeries.
It is not a cure but a palliative surgery that improves circulation and oxygen levels.
Many children lead active lives, but long-term monitoring and lifestyle adjustments are needed.
Risks include bleeding, rhythm issues, and fluid buildup, which are managed in specialized centers.
Some children may need catheter-based or surgical interventions later in life.
ICU stay usually lasts 5 to 7 days, depending on recovery.
Yes, most patients require lifelong medications and follow-up.
Families usually stay 4 to 6 weeks, including recovery and follow-up.
You can begin by sharing the child’s medical reports for expert evaluation and treatment planning.
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