Cavopulmonary Anastomosis During Same Hospitalization as Stage 1 Norwood/Hybrid Palliative Surgery

The authors examined characteristics of patients undergoing initial palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) who remained hospitalized and who required superior cavopulmonary anastomosis (SCPA) during the same hospitalization.  6% of nearly 5400 infants required SCPA during the same admission.  A number of conditions/complications were identified as being associated with the need for SCPA.  Patients who underwent an initial RV to PA shunt were less likely to require hospitalization until stage 2.