For children born with a single ventricle heart defect—essentially “half a heart”—Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego offers hope and lifelong support through its Single Ventricle Program, one of the first of its kind on the West Coast.
This rare congenital condition requires a series of complex open-heart surgeries, often beginning within the first month of life, and ongoing, specialized care throughout childhood and adulthood. To help families navigate this difficult journey, Rady Children’s established its multidisciplinary program in 2020, bringing together experts from across specialties.
The care team collaborates to provide “one-stop” coordinated care. From medical management and nutrition guidance to mental health support and school readiness resources, the clinic focuses on the whole child and family.
“These patients and families are true warriors,” says Jose Sepulveda, MD, pediatric cardiologist at Rady Children’s and the program’s founder. “Our goal is to make sure they feel supported, understood and cared for every step of the way.”
The clinic also hosts an annual Single Ventricle Family Day, where patients and families connect, share experiences and learn from medical experts—a powerful reminder that they’re not alone. With more than 100 patients currently enrolled and weekly clinics, Rady Children’s continues to be a leader in comprehensive congenital heart care.