For babies born missing one heart chamber, this life-saving surgery offers hope of rich and fulfilling lives, despite challenges.
chamber, a special surgery can save their lives. But a new study shows that these patients face lifelong health issues that require special care.
Children born with only one ventricle undergo surgery called a Fontan procedure, which diverts blood returning from the veins directly to the main artery leading to the lungs, instead of the blood being pumped from the heart. That's because they typically have chronically elevated pressure in their veins and less blood being pumped out of their heart. This can lead to circulatory failure because the heart pumps less efficiently and can't provide enough oxygen to the cells in the body, the AHA explained., heart rhythm disorders, and problems with their liver, kidneys, bones and other organs.
"We need more research into the basic biology of single ventricle hearts and whether the damage to other organ systems, such as kidneys, liver and brain, can be mitigated or reversed," said statement writing group chair Dr. Jack Rychik, who holds a chair in cardiology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
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