Hypoplastic Left
Heart Syndrome
Transplantation
Cardiac transplantation is an alternative path to recovery; however, because of the shortage of neonatal donor organs, the need for immunosuppression, and the limited durability of the transplant, this is not sufficient for the entire population of infants born with HLHS each year. Furthermore, approximately one-quarter of infants with HLHS who are listed for heart transplantations die before a a heart becomes available, but the 5-year survival among those who undergo transplantation is approximately 70%.
Steps for a Heart Transplantation:
1) The surgeon will expose the chest cavity through a cut in the ribcage.
2)The surgeon will then open the pericardium (membrane which covers the entire heart).
3) The back part of the recipient's atrium will be left in place but the rest of the heart will be removed.
4)The donor heart will be carefully trimmed and sewn to fit the remaining parts of the old heart. This method is called the "Orthotopic procedure". It is the most common method.
Throughout the surgery the recipient will be under medication, and after the surgery the recipient will be required to stay at the hospital to make sure the everything heals properly and the body has accepted the new donor heart.