Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a congenital heart defect. It is the most common severe heart defect found in newborns, and is associated with reduced left heart structures due to underdevelopment of the left ventricle and associated blood vessels. HLHS is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care after birth. The only way to cure the disease is through a series of complex open-heart surgeries, known as a ‘Fontan procedure’, to redirect the blood flow within the heart to compensate for the underdeveloped left side. HLHS is a severe condition that requires specialized care and expertise to identify and treat it. Early diagnosis and appropriate medical care are essential to improve the prognosis of affected individuals.