WHAT IS A SINGLE-VENTRICLE HEART DEFECT?
It’s a set of congenital heart defects that result in only one of the heart’s two main pumping chambers developing normally.
HOW COMMON IS IT?
About 5 in 100,000 babies in the U.S. are born with a single-ventricle condition.
HOW IS IT TREATED?
Most children have staged surgeries during infancy and childhood, then need specialized follow-up throughout their lives.
WHAT MAKES RADY CHILDREN’S PROGRAM DIFFERENT?
Care is connected across the lifespan—from prenatal preparation and home monitoring to comprehensive pediatric single-ventricle care and an integrated transition with UC San Diego’s Adult Congenital Heart Disease Fontan Clinic. One coordinated team consists of experts in heart and lung care, liver and kidney health, neurodevelopment, nutrition and family support, so children receive broad, connected care in one place.