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There are a number of variants of the standard Fontan. They include the following:
- Total cavo-pulmonary connection (TCPC) Fontan (also known as the lateral tunnel Fontan). A variation in which a tunnel is created in the right atrium to connect the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava. The tunnel is then connected to the pulmonary artery. Advantages of this variation include the avoidance of the heart-lung machine during surgery in some settings and the avoidance of foreign materials, so the child is not at risk of blood clots forming.
- Fenestrated Fontan. A variation in which a small hole is left in the tunnel used in the standard Fontan. This variation can be lifesaving when the pressure in the lungs is particularly high, pushing away the blood that is supposed to be flowing directly into the lungs. When the pressure is high, the blood flows through the small hole and into the right atrium, essentially allowing the tunnel to decompress during critical moments. This hole may remain open permanently or may be closed at a later time through cardiac catheterization.
There are also a number of variations in which the right ventricle contributes some pumping ability to the passage of blood from the venae cavae to the lungs. Researchers continue to work on developing the safest, most effective procedure possible. | 
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