The Single Ventricle Interstage program at Texas Children’s Hospital is a multidisciplinary team dedicated to caring for infants with single ventricle congenital heart defects such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), unbalanced atrioventricular septal defects, complex heterotaxy syndromes and related conditions. Our dedicated clinic provides specialized care and support for patients and their families with a goal of improving overall outcomes.
During the critical interstage period – the months between the first operation (Norwood procedure) and the second operation (bidirectional Glenn) – these infants are at risk for growth and neurodevelopmental delays, rhythm abnormalities, residual defects, and common viral infections which can cause severe illness and even death. Through the home monitoring program, we work with parents and caregivers so they can actively participate in the care of their infant by monitoring and reporting problems when they arise. We provide support, resources and clinical care to help families transition successfully to the second surgery.
We are also actively involved with the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative, working with over 60 centers nationwide with a common goal of improving overall outcomes in infants with single ventricle heart disease from fetal diagnosis to their first birthday.