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Children's Heart Center at NYP

Single Ventricle Program

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Advanced treatment for single ventricle defects in babies

Advanced Treatment

A single ventricle defect is a form of congenital heart disease, meaning a heart condition that children are born with. In babies with single ventricle defects, one of the lower heart chambers (ventricles) hasn't developed correctly, which prevents one or both ventricles from properly pumping oxygen-rich blood to the body. Single ventricle defects are serious conditions, but they are often spotted before birth and can be treated with a series of three operations.

At Children's Hospital of New York, our experts have a reputation as leaders in pediatric cardiac surgery. Our team is highly skilled in all three procedures used to treat single ventricle defects, with a track record of some of the best outcomes in the country.

The first surgery, called the Norwood procedure, typically happens during the first week of your baby's life. This operation involves:

  • Rebuilding the aorta using part of the pulmonary artery and creating a connection between the native and neo-aorta 
  • Reconstructing the aortic arch
  • Inserting a shunt to direct blood to the lungs
  • Opening or enlarging the atrial septal defect, a hole that allows blood flow between the two upper chambers of the heart
  • Closing the patent ductus arteriosus, a hole that connects the aorta and pulmonary artery

The second surgery—the Glenn procedure—takes place when your baby is between four and six months old. During this procedure:

  • Reconnect the superior vena cava directly to the pulmonary artery and lungs
  • Remove the Norwood shunt, as blood now flows directly to the lungs

The Fontan procedure is the last of three surgeries for children with single ventricle defects. This surgery typically takes place between the age of 18 months and three years. In this surgery, blood is rerouted from the lower body directly to the lungs, bypassing the heart. Afterward, the heart will only pump oxygen-rich blood to the body, giving the single ventricle one job: circulating oxygenated blood.

Other procedures to treat single ventricle defects include:

  • Modified BT shunt/central shunts
  • PA band placement
  • Hybrid transcatheter based palliative procedures including flow restrictor placement in certain high-risk conditions
  • Complex biventricular recruitment and septation procedures

About Our Program

About Our Program

The Single Ventricle Program at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital consists of a multidisciplinary group of experts who provide specialized care for babies with single ventricle heart disease. Our dedicated team includes pediatric cardiologists, pediatric cardiac nurse practitioners, pediatric cardiac nutritionists, pediatric cardiac interventionalists, and pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons. Together, we work with your child's cardiologist and sub-specialists to coordinate their care, management, and surgical planning. 

Infants are often at higher risk for complications during the period of time between the first and second surgical procedures (the "interstage" period). A close, comprehensive follow up plan can help monitor your baby’s nutrition, growth, and development. Our team will work to identify and address any concerning symptoms such as low oxygen or breathing issues as early as possible. 

Through in-person visits, telehealth, and other cutting-edge technologies, our experts can closely monitor your child and respond quickly if needed. We also provide comprehensive family support and training so that you’ll feel confident in monitoring your baby when it’s time for them to go home.

Neurodevelopment support

Neurodevelopment support

We are dedicated to setting up high-risk babies for success as early on as possible. Part of caring for single ventricle patients includes connecting families with specialists and resources to support their neurodevelopment. 

Neurodevelopmental follow-up begins when children are about 3 months old (or after they undergo the Glenn procedure ). We provide patients with several sessions, typically focused on motor skills and cognitive assessments, and work with your family to explore therapies that may benefit your child’s development. Your child may work with a team of experts including neonatologists, specialized nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, developmental behavior pediatricians and developmental psychologists. Our team can also help you navigate center-based therapies, early Intervention and transition to school.

Fontan survivorship program for adults

Fontan survivorship program for adults

Even with surgical intervention, children born with single ventricle defects will often face health complications as they grow up. Lifelong follow-up care is important to ensure that there’s enough blood flow throughout the body.

NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center is home to the Single Ventricle Fontan Program at the Schneeweiss Adult Congenital Heart Center. This program provides liver, lung, and kidney screening, novel therapies, and early detection services to support your child through adulthood.

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Contact Us

Children's Hospital of New York

NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital

Cardiology
3959 Broadway MSCH North, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10032

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212-305-0525 212-305-0525

1-844-HRT-DOCS 1-844-HRT-DOCS
NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children's Hospital

525 East 68th Street New York, NY 10065

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332-225-0786 Cardiology

332-529-4057 Cardiac Surgery