The diagnosis of HLHS is made by fetal echocardiogram as early as 16 weeks gestation. Due to the high number of mothers referred to our fetal heart center from throughout the nation, our fetal heart specialists have an unparalleled level of experience accurately diagnosing HLHS prenatally.

How is hypoplastic left heart syndrome detected?

Doctors usually use an echocardiogram to diagnose hypoplastic left heart syndrome. This test uses sound waves that bounce off your baby's heart to produce moving images that can be viewed on a video screen.

What is the life expectancy of a child with HLHS?

There are currently estimates of three- to five-year survival rates of 70% for infants who have the stage I repair. For children who survive to the age of 12 months, long-term survival is about 90 percent. The size and function of the right ventricle are important in determining the child's outcome after surgery.