Cardiac surgery 2002: staged repair of hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Congenital heart surgery is an evolving field. As techniques improve and procedures are modified, enhanced patient outcomes are evident. Technological advancements, pharmacologic interventions, and hemodynamic support provide better patient outcomes. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is one of many complex, poorly understood congenital heart defects presenting in the first weeks of life. It causes 25% of infant deaths. This article presents a staged approach for intervention in neonates with HLHS.