Being born with a single cardiac ventricle: What do we tell prospective parents.

Abstract

Single ventricle cardiac disease remains one of the most extreme forms of congenital heart disease. It encompasses a wide variety of lesions characterised by the existence of one small ventricular cavity. We now realise that survival of this group is much longer than expected, well into adulthood for the majority with current techniques, albeit with a considerable burden of disease for many. Here we give a up to date review of single ventricle cardiac disease. We include discussion regarding prenatal assessment and planning, usual treatment pathways, short and long term outcomes and a discussion on the future for this patient group. We combine this information to give a contemporary perspective on our counselling approach appropriate for those who are the first contact and primary conveyors of this information to families.