Fetal Heart Conditions

Issues may arise during the fetus’ development that affect the heart. These conditions can range from a change in the heart shape and blood flow to a problem with the heart muscle or heartbeat.

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Conditions we treat:

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a congenital heart defect that occurs when parts of the left side of a baby’s heart such as the left ventricle, aortic valve, and aorta are underdeveloped. As a result, the right side of the heart must work harder to pump oxygenated blood to the body. If left untreated, within a few days after birth they may not be getting enough oxygenated blood throughout the body and may develop a blue or purple tint to lips, skin and nails (cyanosis), difficulty breathing, difficulty feeding, and lethargy. HLHS is typically diagnosed before birth or shortly after, and treatment usually involves a series of surgeries to reroute blood flow and improve heart function.

Transposition of the great vessels: Transposition of the great vessels (TGV) is a congenital heart defect where the two main arteries of the heart, the pulmonary artery and the aorta, are switched in position. As a result, oxygen-poor blood isn’t circulated through lungs before the heart pumps it back out to the body, leading to a lack of oxygen in the body. TGV can be diagnosed before or after birth, and treatment involves a procedure called arterial switch surgery to correct the position of the arteries and improve heart function.

Congenital heart lesions: Congenital heart lesions refer to a group of heart abnormalities that are present at birth that can affect the heart's ability to pump blood effectively or can disrupt blood flow through the heart and lungs.

Congenital heart lesions can range in severity from minor to life-threatening, and treatment depends on the specific defect and its impact on heart function. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to achieving the best possible outcomes for babies with congenital heart lesions.