The best treatment options depend on the type and severity of the single ventricle defect and other personal medical factors. Most people with a single ventricle defect will have one or more surgeries in infancy or early childhood.
In this procedure, the pulmonary artery and blood vessel returning oxygen-poor blood from the lower body are connected. This sends blood directly to the lung and prevents oxygen-poor and oxygen-rich blood from mixing.
This surgery involves opening a new pathway between the pulmonary artery and the blood vessel. This brings oxygen-poor blood back from the upper body, routing blood to the lungs and decreasing heart strain.
During this surgery, parts of the heart are rebuilt, making a new aorta that connects to the lungs and right ventricle.
This procedure protects the lung’s blood vessels by decreasing blood flow from the heart to the lungs.
In some cases, a heart transplant may be needed.
Adults with this type of congenital heart disease may need additional heart surgeries. Also, they often require medications to manage symptoms and prevent complications, such as blood clots.
