An Brief Explanation of the Surgeries

A three-stage surgery can help babies with hypoplastic left heart syndrome by rerouting the heart valves to have only the right chamber take care of pumping blood to all parts of the body. The first stage (called the Norwood procedure) takes place within the first few days after birth and surgically combines the pulmonary artery and the aorta to make one strong vessel to pump blood to the whole body. The second surgery is around 4-6 months (called the Glen), and the third (Fontan) is between two-three years of age. The first surgery carries the most risk. Of those who experience and survive the three surgeries, there is a broad spectrum of abilities, from being able to participate in regular physical activities to those who have much limited abilities and on-going health problems